Business

‘Drink F***ing Water!’: Blaze Investigates NYC Big Drink Ban (And Guess How Many Calories We Consumed?)

The Blaze’s Benny Johnson Contributed to this report

By now most have heard about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s war against what he considers unhealthy eating — especially his most recent plan to outlaw sugary beverages in excess of 16 ounces from being sold at food establishments across the Big Apple. After previously enacting another measure which prohibits food donations made to soup kitchens and homeless shelters on the basis of its perceived sodium content, Bloomberg is perhaps proving once again, his affinity for the Nanny State.

(Related: NYC Health Board Suggests Regulations On Other High-Calorie Foods Including Popcorn and Dairy Drinks)

If passed, the ban would apply to delis, restaurants, fast food establishments, ballpark kiosks, 7-11s, and even the beverage giant Starbucks, among others. While most argue the move is out of touch with the idea of personal freedom and responsibility, others think that “forcing” people to make better eating and drinking choices is a positive. But if that is the case, what would be next? If large sodas are deemed a menace enough to society that they need to be outlawed, then, by that same logic, wouldn’t ice cream Sundays, extra-large pizzas, buffalo wings, and 40-ounce bottles of beer be verboten as well?

I took to the streets of Manhattan to find out how everyday consumers feel about this limitation on their personal choices — and even the “Naked Cowboy” weighed in.

 

Comments (146)

1 2 3 4
  • LeeR47
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:17am

    Tiffany, I loved this video! I hope The Blaze does more of this–very fun and entertaining. Much better than all the depressing cannibal stuff that’s been in the news recently. Great job!

    Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:39am

      I hear faces are the next thing to be ban from consumption in New York…Crazy nuts…

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 3:25pm

      People better think twice before telling someone to “bite me”

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • bitemebiden
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 7:52am

      I don’t need the government telling me how much I can eat, or what I can eat… they can keep with the operations of running our country. Not the operations of how I live my life!
      @therightsofbilly – can’t help it… it’s my screen name!

      Report Post » bitemebiden  
  • KusoJiJi
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:17am

    why stop at soda, why not go after Pastrami sandwiches?

    Report Post » KusoJiJi  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:38am

      you know if we ban all foods but vitamins, only allowed water (not flavored), used no technology, excommunicated energy, and made everyone equal we would have the perfect utopia, no? Si se pueda……

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 12:24pm

      I for one am tired of this administrations intolerant, sodaphobic, bigoted discrimination against sodas merely based on their size. Of course everyone knows this is in no way a fault of theirs and therefore a soda’s sense of self worth and esteem should be reinforced and encouraged, not made to feel like an outcast unworthy of common protection under the law. Perhaps, they should even be given preferential treatment under anti-hate laws. And what are we gonna due when there is mass exodus of oversized sodas into surrounding cities? How will those communities be effected? I say New york should apply the stand your ground laws to the institutional discrimination abounding against large soft drinks.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
  • Idontdisagree
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:09am

    Ha ha the one guy said we should ban alcohol too. Tried that, failed miserably. I think I might start a soda pop mafia.

    Gary Johnson 2012.

    Report Post »  
  • jbrock09
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:07am

    NO Iz gud, Comrad Doomberg is fixing bigg problrm with Capitalist greedy swine, always drinking too much eating too much.Comrad Marx wud be proud of Commissar Doomberg. Soon all foodstuffs will be rationed in new yourk and sold from back of Doomberg Party Vans Iz Gud for Party.

    Report Post »  
  • vorpal
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:54am

    when the gov takes away the things that people want it just allows a black market to grow.
    Free market – people will find a way to get the things they want – so a smart gov will not inhibit the citizens because when they do they get a black market and then the gov doesn’t have the ability to tax that commodity – epic fail.

    Report Post » vorpal  
  • perry1980
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:40am

    Wake Up America

    Your Freedoms are being destroyed 1 by 1 and will be until you finally speak up.

    Its time to Speak up in November

    Report Post »  
  • lisa2994
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:28am

    We all have a personal responsibility and know what to eat and drink to not become overweight. But like I said that should be everyone’s personal choice not the government dictating what to eat and drink! Sometimes I want to eat a huge peice of chocolate cake and send a picture to this administration with a big chocolate smile on my face! LOL But I try to take care of myself but yes I indulge!!!

    Report Post » lisa2994  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:37am

      legalize marijuana but outlaw big soft drinks….makes perfect sense to me….Gotta love Zoo York….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Conservative New Yorker
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:44am

      Say it girl! ITA with you. I workout 5 times a week and eat cleanly (very little to no sugar, healthy fats, lean protein, complex carbs). And there are times that I want a yummy piece of chocolate cake or pie and in my world, that’s OK in moderation.

      As you said- it comes down to taking personal responsibility for your life and not expecting the government to legislate your behavior.

      And IMO, Bloomberg is not so interested in others, well-being and health but rather expanding his power over said people. This guy has a Napoleonic complex.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:52am

      I’m pretty sure New york outlawed Napolean but you might want to check up on that….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
  • jackact
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:16am

    Does anyone realize that this schmucks 3rd term is unconstitutional?
    Focus.

    Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:26am

      Benevolent politicians like Bloomberg should not be derided because of their wisdom and concern for each individual. If we all took the same interest in the lives and welfare of others America would be a healthier and much easier place to rule.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:31am

      Everything a statist does is always for the “benefit” of those they mean to rule…The more things change the more they stay the same…right Comrade? If these people take any more care of me I just might not survive….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • thenizzutz
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:37am

      I wasn’t aware the Constitution contained a provision regarding the number of terms the mayor of NYC may serve. Thanks, professor.

      Report Post »  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:51am

      @thenizzutz
      It is the in NYC that there is a Mayoral term limit of two terms. Doomberg only received approval from city council to run for a third term, which he did. Technically he needed approval of the citizens. Don’t knot if they have a city constitution, but it is a law.

      Report Post » Leader1776  
  • MaineLibertarian
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:11am

    What a messed up way of thinking. We live in a free country, people should be able to eat and drink whatever they want. This will do nothing to fight obesity. If people want large drinks, they will just get two of the smaller sizes.

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:10am

    One more incremental step for the leftists who want absolute control and power over all aspects of our lives.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:36am

      No, they just want to not have to sit next to a big fat Glenn Beck fan when they’re in a movie theater or an airplane. They don‘t want to have to wait to take their kids on the Small World ride at Disneyland because they’re reinforcing the boats to hold more weight.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:44am

      Would Michael Moore, Joy Behar, Ed Schultz, or Bob Beckel be in any of those places FOX?

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Citizen
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:44am

      Foxhole are you not able to handle a 20 oz drink and need someone to tell you not to drink it ?

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative New Yorker
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:47am

      @ F/A- I will pray for you because that is what Christians do. And don’t point out nut-cases like Westboro- they aren’t Christians in any sense of the word.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 3:39pm

      Wow, the atheist is a “fatist”……..who knew?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • BOGOTSTOGO
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:08am

    I am going nuts! Have you ever noticed that the fattest people at McDonalds are drinking diet soda. I think the artificial sweetener is 10 times the problem sugar is! This is State sponsored poisoning

    Report Post » BOGOTSTOGO  
  • authorchriskeys
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:07am

    Its time to ban Michael Bloomberg and the $%#@^& that side with him. It‘s absolutely against the Constitution to tell some they can’t drink more than 16 ounces of whatever at a time. The logic would dictate they could then tell you that you can’t eat fried foods, pizza or fast food. Does Bloomberg own any fast food restuarants? If he does I bet he doesn’t ban any food it serves. This is not only Fasism at it’s worse but can lead now where but to the Nanny state taking over. Will Bloomberg try to regulate the size glasses people have in their homes so they don’t consume too much to fast there as well. What’s to stop someone from simply buying ten 16 oz Cokes? Will Bloomberg try reguiring the people of New York to buy a license to buy soda and set a limit as to how many you can buy? Is he going to hire new police- create The Beverage Authority- and have an officer stationed at every store and restaurant in the city? The guy is an #%^^# and needs to be banned from doing business or living in this country. How stupid are New Yorkers to have voted this Jerk into office as Mayor?

    Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:07am

    Individual choice, not government mandates.

    Report Post »  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:59am

    Do you want us to drink the flouridated water that “medicates” us? I run my water through a charcoal filter before I drink it.
    http://www.nofluoride.com/

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:03am

      Same here. Keep two of the filtered pitchers in the fridge at all times.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • booger71
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:04am

      It looks like from your pic, you might need some fluoride, You might have had some teeth left.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:26am

      I picked this avatar from a selection of several. Even had one with a man wearing a diaper. Google: ugliest man This was a reasonable choice. I don’t put my real picture on the internet. I have put on many posts about the CIA using face-recognition software and gathering information from the internet. Facebook is #1 on my list.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:40am

      So, are you planning on blowing up a women’s clinic or something? Is that why you fear the CIA? I‘m sure you’ve stocked up on tin foil.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:40am

      Why don’t you use “Diaper boy” or “Ugly baby”? I’m sure they are available.

      http://www.grimmemennesker.dk/cat1.htm?page=14

      (I used to use a picture of “Lurch” but my granddaughter asked me to change it. She said it scared her.)

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • Citizen
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:58am

    Lol

    So new yorkers are too stupid to decide if they can handle a 20 oz drink.

    Now if you cant handle a 20 oz soda you sure cant handle the responsability of voting, since that city is too stupid to handle large drinks they sure cant handle the ability to vote and that should be stripped from them.

    You new york clowns let this happen in your city ? lol you deserve it

    The only thing wrong is you cant even handle 16 oz size it should have been a sippy cup.

    Think about what bloomber is saying there are people in new york who fought in wars and saved peoples lives and performed life saving operations yet they cant have a 20 oz coke cause bloomber has decided they are too stupid to handle that responsability. somehow these fools who cant handle a 20 oz are supposed to be able to informed enough to vote for a pres ?

    So just sit there and take it new york you deserve it for rolling over . Anyone who favors this admits they are too stupid to handle a basic fundemental of life – drinking fluid.

    Report Post »  
  • TWO BITS
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:57am

    Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow the diet panels will only exempt union members and fat-headed politicians at the trough.

    Report Post » TWO BITS  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:06am

      Yes . this is nothing but controlling us “little people” .. you know what they used to call CITIZENS and VOTERS … time to TAKE BACK AMERICA!

      Report Post »  
  • jcldwl
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:52am

    Hey do you hear that? Listen….oops sorry I thought it was the ice cream truck. I forgot those were outlawed. Hey want a piece of gum? Oh wait…no nutritional value…outlawed. Hey…it’s Miller time…oops again…outlawed (I know they already tried that but then again how many times has communism been tried and failed but here we go again with that.) Soon very soon we will all be trapped in automated small cities, Unable to leave, unable to eat what we want, unable to do anything that might make us feel human and free. This is all nuts man people of New York City please listen to my plea….Flee, leave now before it is to late…I doubt it is very long before the fences go up and you won‘t be able to leave that cess pool of a city because they won’t be able to afford you leaving.

    Report Post » jcldwl  
  • Brittany-Imbriaarts
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:52am

    wow the guy must not have studied prohibition period say they should ban alcohol

    Report Post » Brittany-Imbriaarts  
  • boxturtle
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:49am

    I keep thinking that there is nothing greasier that a good “Taco” and I have heard not a the first moan about them. Is it a politically correct and non-offensive food?

    Report Post »  
  • T-2
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:23am

    they should ban the progressive cool-aid that everyone is drinking.

    Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:38am

      You’re right about that

      This is a law and progressive foothold about volume consumption and if anyone thinks it will stop here they’re delusional.

      Once established, and people are nudged in the desired direction the next volume consumption law will be attached to this one.

      Report Post »  
  • RLTW
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:23am

    When they banned soda I said nothing I didn’t drink it, when they banned sugary coffee I said nothing I didn’t drink it… but when they came for my Jack Daniels all drinks except Brondo were gone and it was too late.
    (see Idiocracy)

    Report Post »  
  • 50Caliber
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:17am

    ……..“and then they came for me”

    Report Post » 50Caliber  
  • DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:12am

    Funny and informative video Tiffany!

    Report Post » DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776  
    • hi
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:55am

      I like her! She is funny.

      Report Post » hi  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:06am

    When politicians think up a law that would ban progressives from holding public office I could support that with enthusiasm.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • PRESENTSOFMIND
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:03am

    Food Nazis. Plain & simple.

    Report Post » PRESENTSOFMIND  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:10am

      Yeah, they are the coming to fruition of Seinfeld’s Soup Nazis.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Citizen
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:13am

      Not food nazis

      Just stupid people. These new york idiots chose this guy and support him.

      They realize they are libs and are much to stupid to handle a 20 oz drink, its almost a good thing. Now if they also realized as libs they are too stupid to vote and took that away from themselves it would be even better.

      What I realize most now after this is how pathetic new york is to just sit there and take it – I love how bloomberg thinks a soldier who fought in wars cant handle a 20 oz drink – an your city full of morons agrees, and even the ones who dont agree just roll over and take it. You deserve it new york.

      Report Post »  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love