by Chris Woodward
An advocate for limited government says the continued decline in soda sales is another “nail in the coffin” for New York City's push to ban large sodas.
Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Dr Pepper all sold less carbonated beverages in the second quarter of the year in North America, continuing a trend that has been seen for years.
Julie Gunlock of the Independent Women's Forum has said as much in recent interviews about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's to ban large sodas.
"What is skyrocketing is water sales,” Gunlock tells OneNewsNow.
“Yet we still have government officials that are pursuing ridiculous policies like putting limits on the size of sodas that people can drink,” she adds. “I think this is just yet another nail in the coffin of these policies."
Bloomberg has pushed for the soda ban, saying it would help curb obesity.
According to an Associated Press story published at Yahoo News, soda consumption has been declining sine 1998 because consumers are worried about weight gain caused by sugary drinks.
Coca-Cola sales dropped four percent during the second quarter of 2013, and Dr Pepper dropped three percent, the story reported.
A court ruling in New York blocked implementation of the ban just before it took effect, and the city is appealing the decision.
"He does not have a lot of faith in people's self-control, people's ability to regulate their own diets,” Gunlock says of Bloomberg.
“What Bloomberg really needs to get in touch with is the facts,” she says.
Meanwhile, Gunlock believes Bloomberg will continue his push after he leaves office, using his wealth and media to keep up the effort.