It's Official: Super Sodas Outlawed in NYC

If you live in New York City, now is the time to get your super sized sodas while you still can. Due to a ban on the sale of large sugary drinks approved yesterday by the NYC Board of Health, such treats will be verboten in six months.

1 minute read

September 14, 2012, 5:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Calling it "the single biggest step any gov't has taken to curb obesity," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg took to Twitter yesterday to celebrate approval of his proposal to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, street carts and movie theaters in the city, reports Michael M. Grynbaum. 

"The measure, unless blocked by a judge, will take effect in six months," writes Grynbaum.
"The health board vote was the only regulatory approval needed to become
binding in the city, but the American soft-drink industry has strongly
opposed the plan and vowed this week to try to fight the measure by other means, possibly in the courts."

The ban would apply to sweetened drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces, and "would affect a range of popular sweetened beverages, including energy
drinks, presweetened iced teas and common brands of nondiet soda."

Fear not Big Gulp fans, since the ban only applies to establishments that receive inspection grades from the health department, convenience stores like 7-Eleven would be exempt. 

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City