Soda Industry Battles Proposed New York Ban On Large Size Beverages

Lobbyists from big soda companies have met with mayoral candidates and New York City Council members; canvassers hired by the beverage industry are stopping New Yorkers on the street to solicit signatures on petitions, and Facebook and Twitter pages tell readers to “say no to a #sodaban,” according to The New York Times. For the full story, click here. 

Editor’s Insight: This article headlines the soda industry’s role in fighting the proposed ban and not until half way through this story do you learn that the city itself has waged a $2.8 million taxpayer financed campaign since 2009 to blame soda consumption for obesity. This is an example of how a leading consumer media outlet, The New York Times, is quick to highlight the influence of industry lobbying and minimize the importance of government lobbying.

Vending and refreshment service operators seeking to educate customers and the public at large about restrictions on consumer freedom should realize that supporters of government restrictions will be accusing the industry of lobbying for its own interests. The response to this is that government, at least in this case, uses taxpayer funds to support its own power grab.

And it’s not the only case in point. Another story in today’s VendingMarketWatch reports that San Francisco’s mayor is calling for a “soda free summer.” 07-02-12 By Elliot Maras