A NY1-Marist College poll regarding Bloomberg’s soda ban proposal reveals that a majority of New Yorkers — 53 percent — oppose the mayor’s plan to ban soft drinks in containers sixteen ounces or larger at restaurants, movie theaters, street carts, and sports venues. On the flip side, 42 percent of the 500 adult respondents said the mayor’s plan is a good one. Six percent, perhaps too jacked up on Coca-Cola to formulate a coherent response, are unsure.
The results contrast with the mayor’s assessment last week that the ban is “What the public wants the mayor to do,” unless by “public” he meant the minority of New Yorkers who agree with his plan. About 53 percent believe the proposed ban is an example of “government going too far.” “We’re not taking away anybody’s right to do things,” Bloomberg said of the ban, “we’re simply forcing you to understand that you have to make the conscious decision to go from one cup to another cup.” And as a bonus to that forced understanding, soda guzzlers might even burn a few calories switching cups.
