Argumentative Analysis of Nyc Soda Ban
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- Category: Politics: Moral Issues
- Date Submitted: 10/09/2014 01:13 AM
- Pages: 9
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Regulating fat, salt and size of soft drinks in NYC
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University
Regulating fat, salt and size of soft drinks in NYC
The summer of 2012 saw New York City go through a proposed ban on the sale of sugared beverages larger than 16 ounces. The ban was proposed by NYC Mayor Bloomberg, as an attempt to lessen the high obesity rates in the city. By making unhealthy beverages less available, consumers would be put off and go for healthier alternatives. The major losers in this ban would have been the beverage industry and the relevant citizens, and it was from this faction that the strongest opposition to the ban came. A significant body of citizens also believed that such a ban was fundamentally against their right of choice. The ban was brought in force through a legislative vote, needing only the approval of the Department of Health. A period of 6-month grace time was allotted for the adaptation of the law, after which the size limit would be strictly enforced. While on 4 June 2014, the ban of soda size was officially struck down, there is an ensuing debate of whether the administration had the right to enforce something like this in the first place.
The proponents of the ban talk about NYC’s paternalistic behavior in the past, and how the soda ban is only another addition to existing paraphernalia. Obesity is a major problem in the city, and it is important to fight it. The ban helps to bring both awareness and impetus to this much needed issue. Lastly, the administration of NYC was mandated with the obligation of a healthier NYC, so it is their right to introduce such measures.
The opponents of the ban cite the infringement of freedom of choice. The start of ‘Big Government’ in NYC is becoming a problem, with a horde of regulations intruding the average citizen’s lives. There is the criticism towards the hampering of free enterprise, and how certain businesses are being marginalized. Lastly, a major opposition is that the entire ban is...
Name
University
Regulating fat, salt and size of soft drinks in NYC
The summer of 2012 saw New York City go through a proposed ban on the sale of sugared beverages larger than 16 ounces. The ban was proposed by NYC Mayor Bloomberg, as an attempt to lessen the high obesity rates in the city. By making unhealthy beverages less available, consumers would be put off and go for healthier alternatives. The major losers in this ban would have been the beverage industry and the relevant citizens, and it was from this faction that the strongest opposition to the ban came. A significant body of citizens also believed that such a ban was fundamentally against their right of choice. The ban was brought in force through a legislative vote, needing only the approval of the Department of Health. A period of 6-month grace time was allotted for the adaptation of the law, after which the size limit would be strictly enforced. While on 4 June 2014, the ban of soda size was officially struck down, there is an ensuing debate of whether the administration had the right to enforce something like this in the first place.
The proponents of the ban talk about NYC’s paternalistic behavior in the past, and how the soda ban is only another addition to existing paraphernalia. Obesity is a major problem in the city, and it is important to fight it. The ban helps to bring both awareness and impetus to this much needed issue. Lastly, the administration of NYC was mandated with the obligation of a healthier NYC, so it is their right to introduce such measures.
The opponents of the ban cite the infringement of freedom of choice. The start of ‘Big Government’ in NYC is becoming a problem, with a horde of regulations intruding the average citizen’s lives. There is the criticism towards the hampering of free enterprise, and how certain businesses are being marginalized. Lastly, a major opposition is that the entire ban is...