• September 13, 2012

The New York City Board of Health has approved Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial proposal banning large-size sugary drinks in restaurants and other venues.

Starting March 12, the city will prohibit restaurants, mobile food carts, delis and concessions at movie theaters, stadiums or arenas from selling sugary drinks in cups or containers larger than 16 ounces.

The city will begin fining sellers for violating the ban in mid-June. 

The proposal passed by a vote of eight to zero (one abstention).

Eliot Hoff, spokesman for New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, a coalition of individuals, companies and groups opposed to the ban. told the Wall Street Journal that there was never any hope that the Board would reject the proposal, because the mayor appointed all of its members.