NY Lawmaker Wants To Ban Large-Size Soda Sales To Minors

NEW YORK CITY -- Staten Island assemblyman Matthew Titone has proposed a state law that would ban sales of large sugary drinks to minors across the state. Titone's bill would require that consumers in New York show proof of age to merchants to purchase sugary drinks larger than 16 fluid ounces

This is the second sugary-drink-related bill from the democratic lawmaker. Earlier this month, he proposed a measure to require warning labels on sodas and other sugary drinks, and on vending machines and restaurant menus. That proposal, which cites sugar's alleged role in childhood obesity, calls for labels that read "Safety warning: consuming food items and beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay."

Sugar-sweetened beverages that have added caloric sweeteners and contain 75 calories or more per 12 fluid ounces and sugar-sweetened food items with added caloric sweeteners containing 75 calories or more per four ounces would need to be labeled, as would the vending machines that sell them, and menus and boards on which they appear.

Titone's sugary drink measures do not yet have sponsors in the State Senate.