11 Things You Need to Know About the NYC Soda Ban

By First We Feast

Mar 11, 2013

So, it’s finally happening: Mayor Bloomberg’s controversial restrictions on sugary drinks are finally upon us. Now, the high-minded debates about nanny-state intervention can cease—at least for a moment—so that we can actually think about the practical realties of living with these new rules in NYC. How will they actually affect your life?

The main idea is that “sugary drink” larger than 16 ounces will be banned. But it’s a bit trickier than that. You can read the actual resolution for yourself right here, or you can just skip to the CliffsNotes version: Here are 11 ways that the NYC soda ban will affect you.

UPDATE: This was fun and all, but the soda ban has been overturned by a judge who called the measures “arbitrary” and “capricious.”

It goes into effect tomorrow.

You can still get a Big Gulp.

You can also drink venti Peppermint Lattes to your heart's content.

But you can't get a 2-litre soda with your pizza delivery.

Clubs can't serve sugary mixers with bottle service.

Diet sodas are exempt.

No more 32-ounce Gatorades.

This applies to soda fountains too.

The penalty for breaking the rules is a $200 fine.

You can still buy Four Loko

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