New York’s city mayor to resume predecessor’s fight to ban big sodas

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that the city will continue Michael Bloomberg’s fight for a ban on sodas over 16oz per serve, U.S. media reported in early May 2014.

The city will appeal to the state’s highest court in a continuation of the former mayor’s ban. Mr de Blasio’s predecessor, Michael Bloomberg, had ordered the ban through the city’s Health Department without the city council’s consent, but in March 2013, a state judge blocked the ban, saying that Mr Bloomberg had overstepped his authority.

The law would have prohibited city restaurants, delicatessens and other businesses from selling soft sugary beverages larger than 16oz.

Mr de Blasio, a Democrat, previously said he supported the law in an effort to combat obesity, but hinted he would consider City Council legislation rather than a Health Department edict.

City lawyers will argue the case at the Court of Appeals on 4 June 2014.