A state judge who this week blocked a large soda ban in New York City said the ban was “arbitrary and capricious.”
We concur. We might add it was also ridiculous, intrusive and nanny-state-ish.
The ban on selling sweetened sodas over 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters, stadiums and arenas was to take effect in New York City this week. The judge ruled, along with other comments, that the soda ban was improperly enacted, because it wouldn’t apply to grocery stories and convenience stores. Beverage makers and restaurant and theater organizations had filed suit, insisting the law involved “unprecedented interference” in consumers’ choices.
We realize the New York City Board of Health, in concert with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, had good intentions with the ban. Our country is fat and getting fatter, and supersize sodas contribute to our weight issues, which means they also contribute to heart issues, vascular problems and diabetes.
But it is not the government’s job to impose restraints on people when their actions aren’t hurting anyone but themselves.
We don’t have a problem with first lady Michelle Obama working to reduce obesity and encouraging healthier eating in our nation. We think that is a fine and vital role for a first lady, and encourage others to do likewise.
We also don’t have an issue with schools taking sodas and other unhealthy foods and beverages out of schools. Young people often aren’t mature enough to make healthy choices about what they put into their bodies, so it is good that responsible adults are there to guide our children.
But we agree with the judge regarding the soda ban in the Big Apple. Going after sodas when not going after cookies or doughnuts or sweetened coffee drinks is targeting one offender when restaurants, theaters and stadiums are packed with countless sugary violators.
We legitimately could make the slippery slope argument here and insist if governments start regulating soda sizes, the next step could be requiring exercise. But we really don’t need to do that, because the judge calling the large soda law “arbitrary and capricious” sums it up quite nicely.
THE ISSUE:
Large soda ban
WE SAY:
Judge right to block it.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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