NYC Health Dept: Sugary drinks limit is reasonable - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Sugary drink ban battle

Posted: Updated:

By JENNIFER PELTZ 

NEW YORK (AP) - A New York City lawyer says a limit on the size of sugary drinks is reasonable and necessary because of an obesity epidemic.

Health Department lawyer Thomas Merrill also says the health board had the authority to enact the measure.

Merrill made the remarks Wednesday in a Manhattan court.

An industry lawyer calls the limit an "extraordinary infringement" on consumer choice. James Brandt represents the American Beverage Association and other opponents.

The NAACP's New York state branch and the Hispanic Federation also want to stop the rule from taking effect March 12.

They say it will harm minority businesses and "freedom of choice in low-income communities."

The measure bars restaurants and many other eateries from selling high-sugar drinks in containers bigger than 16 ounces.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • New Jersey's nine state-run Sandy housing recovery centers have opened their doors.
    New Jersey's nine state-run Sandy housing recovery centers have opened their doors.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
    The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
    The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
  • Superstorm Sandy

    Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:38:42 GMT
    By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
    By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices