Up in fizz: New York soda ban approved

GlobalPost

Say goodbye to the Big Gulp in the Big Apple.

New York City's Board of Health unanimously passed a ban Thursday on the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces in city restaurants, stadiums and other venues, the Wall Street Journal reported.

More from GlobalPost: Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants large sodas banned in New York

Backers of the sweeping initiative spearheaded by Mayor Michael Bloomberg hope it will lower obesity rates in America's largest city.

Critics of the measure have decried it as goverment run amok.

More from GlobalPost: Kids who drink soda at increased risk of heart disease

The ban takes effect March 12, although the city won't start fining businesses that violate it until June, according to US News & World Report.

It will not apply to drinks sold in grocery stores, diet sodas, drinks that are more than 70 percent fruit juice, or that contain alcohol, The Huffington Post reported.

Bloomberg insists the plan will eventually gain favor, although a recent Quinnipiac University poll found it has fallen flat with 51 percent of New Yorkers.

Opponents told The Huffington Post they are weighing their legal options.

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