New York Mayor to ban super-size fizzy drinks

USA: New York’s billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg extended his war against unhealthy habits Thursday with an unprecedented proposal for banning super-sized sweet drinks.

The ban, possibly taking effect by next March, would target what Bloomberg, already a leading crusader for clean living, calls a fatness “epidemic.”

“There’s an epidemic in this country of people being overweight, bordering on obesity.

The percentage of people who are obese is skyrocketing,” Bloomberg said in an interview on MSNBC television.

The prohibition, which would not need city council approval, would restrict soda drink servings to no more than 16 ounces.

That’s more than a normal can, but only half the size of the biggest, bucket-like container that patrons commonly guzzle from in cinemas, sports arenas and other outlets. AFP