Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Ban on the Sale of Sugary Drinks in New York Extends To Sports Stadiums

New York City plans on sweeping reforms that would make the sale of drinks like Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, etc, in containers larger than 16 oz illegal in places other than grocery stores or convenience stores.

Something people have not considered however is that the ban of the beverages larger than 16 oz will also extend to sports stadiums. According to the Wall Street Journal, "The mayor's proposal would forbid a broad range of venues, including sports stadiums, restaurants, delis, movie theaters and mobile food carts, from selling sugary beverages in containers larger than 16 ounces—bigger than a standard can of soda but smaller than a typical bottle."

Its understandable why Mayor Bloomberg is pushing this ban so hard, but think about your stadium experience. We have all grown accustomed to it, if you plan on attending a sporting event with more than two people, a $50 food/drink budget is a must. seeing as 44oz stadium cups cost between $6 and $10, with smaller drinks coming in around $3.50 and $5. Not to mention the price of food... Now think about this, stadiums are going to be losing out on a ton of money from not being able to sell the larger size drink to people. With people already paying a small fortune to go to get into the stadium, plus pay for parking, plus feed their family, not to mention the gas prices to get to the stadium in the first place, it is unlikely that people will buy another round of sodas for your family or for yourself. In response they will most likely make the price of everything else much more expensive to make up the cost.

Get used to the idea of paying $5 more for a ticket and for parking so the stadium can still make their expected profit margin.

Many are attacking Bloomberg for his shortsightedness, going so far as to call him a "Nanny." While this is not a political website, I tend to agree with Bloomberg that something has to be done. However for an across the board ban on soft drinks makes one question, "Whats Next?"

Don't worry though, beer is still going to be sold.