TUCSON, Ariz. -- Bruce Maples, chairman of the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees (NCASEF), representing nearly 5,700 small businesses across the country, said in a statement that the coalition is "troubled" by the decision of the New York City Board of Health to uphold Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed restriction on the sales of soft-drinks, limiting such drinks to 16 ounces per cup in certain venues.
The ban on large-sized soda, juice drinks, teas, sports drinks and flavored water beverages, which goes into effect next March, will apply in fast-food restaurants, theaters, workplace cafeterias and most other places selling prepared food, but not supermarkets or convenience stores.
"While the ruling does not specifically apply to 7-Eleven and convenience stores in general, we view this as a first step down a slippery slope of unnecessary, unwanted and unwarranted government intervention in the choices people make about their intake of foods and beverages." He said. "Individuals have sufficient information to help them make informed and educated decisions about their caloric intake and this is one more step down a path in which government wants to decide what is best for you--and it won't end here."
Added Maples: "Our National Coalition supports the National Restaurant Association and other organizations and associations who have raised their voices in opposition to this. At the same time we recognize that America has an obesity challenge. Our family of 7-Eleven franchisees and their employees continue to provide healthy options and choices for our guests, allowing them to make their own informed decisions which address their desires and needs in a market-driven fashion. We believe this is the optimal way for small businesses and consumers to address this issue."
Click here for previous CSP Daily News coverage of the big soda ban.
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