New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that the city will continue Michael Bloomberg’s fight for a ban on sodas over 16 ounces.
The city will appeal to the state’s highest court in a continuation of the former mayor’s ban. Mr. Bloomberg had ordered the ban through the city Health Department without the city council’s consent, but a state judge in March 2013 blocked the ban and said he had overstepped his authority.
The law would have prohibited city restaurants, delis and other businesses from selling sodas and other sugary beverages larger than 16 ounces.
Mr. de Blasio previously said he supported the law in an effort to combat obesity, but hinted he would consider City Council legislation rather than a Health Department edict, the New York Daily News reported.
“I think we could do a much better job of working with parents and working with communities to help them understand why this is a good idea and get their buy-in,” the Democratic mayor said in January.
City lawyers will argue the case at the Court of Appeals on June 4, the Daily News reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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