New York Soda Ban: Starbucks Will Not Comply?
Michael Bloomberg's New York City soda ban will go into effect on Tuesday, March 12. Despite the drink restrictions, one chain, Starbucks, says that it will not comply.
Beginning Tuesday, the sale of sugary drinks in a cup larger than 16 ounces will be banned, thanks to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The ban, which has been opposed by some, is an attempt to reduce obesity.
Any non-alcoholic drink that contains added sugar and is made of less than 50 percent milk will fall under the ban. Convenience stores and grocery stores will not be affected, but almost all fast food service establishments will, including Starbucks.
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Starbucks, however, has announced that it will not immediately heed to the new regulations. The chain will not make any menu changes at current until it is certain which drinks will fall outside the ban.
"Our understanding is that any beverage with 50 percent or more milk is exempt from the ruling," Starbucks spokeswoman Linda Mills told Business Insider. "Because many of our beverages are made from milk or are customized by the customer, many of our beverages fall outside the ban."
Bloomberg referred to Starbucks opposition as "ridiculous."
"Starbucks knows how to market things, knows how to package things," Bloomberg told Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation. "They can change instantly when it's in their interest to do so."
According to the report, Starbucks will also continue to serve presweetened drinks that do not contain milk. Dunkin Donuts has been more compliant and will no longer offer pre-sweetened coffees in cups larger than 16 ounces. Customers who order plain coffee anywhere will be permitted to order any size and put in their own sugar without limit, though.
A lawsuit hoping to prevent the ban has been filed by the American Beverage Association, but has not yet been ruled on by a judge. Some shop owners worry that the law will affect business.
"I definitely believe it's going to hurt my business ," Mary Cira of Pronto Pizza, who had to throw away nearly $1,000 worth of 20 oz. and 2 liter bottles of soda, told CBS. Like many others, she will also have to print new menus.
