Mayor Wants to Prohibit Large-sized Sodas in NYC

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. deli (n.) [del-ee] – shortened form of delicatessen, which is a shop that sells ready-to-eat food such as cooked meat and salad

Example: The deli is full of people buying cooked turkey for Thanksgiving celebration.

2. upsize (v.) [uhp-sahyz] – to make something larger

Example: The customer has his drink upsized because he was really thirsty.

3. beverage (n.) [bev-er-ij, bev-rij] – a liquid used for drinking

Example: People love drinking cold beverages when the weather is hot.

4. proposition (n.) [shoog-uh-ree] – a suggested plan of action

Example: The mayor’s proposition is to ban smoking in public places.

5. sugary (adj.) [shoog-uh-ree] – sweet or filled with sugar

Example: Consuming too much sugary drinks might cause diabetes and other health problems.

Article
Read the text below.

New Yorkers will not be able to buy large-sized soft drinks if Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed law comes into effect next year. According to the suggested rule, restaurants, delis and other food shops will be disallowed from selling sweetened drinks that are larger than one pint (500ml). In addition, customers cannot upsize their drinks. These conditions will only apply to beverages that contain more than 25 calories for every 8oz. Bloomberg recommends the ban because obesity is becoming a state-wide problem. Based on a recent research, more than half of New York’s adult population is overweight or obese. However, the New York City Beverage Association is not in favor of the proposition. Spokesperson Stefan Friedman says sodas are not the cause of obesity and the city will not be solving the problem by prohibiting sugary drinks. Soda companies and soda drinkers who have normal weight are also campaigning on the importance of choice for buyers. City officials, however, are defending the planned ban. They cited a 2006 study which suggests that sodas are the main cause of rising obesity rates. According to the New York City Department of Health’s website, drinking a 590ml bottle of soft drink each day is equivalent to eating 22.6 kg of sugar in a year. The proposal will still have to undergo a final screening at the Board of Health of New York before it becomes a law. But Mayor Bloomberg has already received a number of criticisms. His health-conscious laws—which include banning cigarettes and requiring restaurants to put calorie counts on menus—have earned him the nickname “Nanny Bloomberg.”

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think the mayor's plan will be effective in solving the weight problem in his city? Why or why not?

·         Should people have the right to choose and to buy as much as what they want to eat or drink? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Why do you think people face weight problems like obesity?

                  How can people maintain a healthy weight?