Bans

Soda Ban Opponents Now Include the NAACP and the Hispanic Federation

Half-empty.
Half-empty. Photo: Nicoloso/Corbis

With less than two months left before the soda ban goes into effect on March 12, the NAACP’s New York State branch and the Hispanic Organization have joined a coalition of manufacturers and lobbyists that are challenging the amendment to the health code in court. Although the civil-rights groups seem to acknowledge sugary soft drinks contribute to obesity in higher proportions within black and Hispanic communities, advocates have determined that significantly reduced sales of sugary drinks in lower-income neighborhoods will do more harm than good. “This sweeping regulation will no doubt burden and disproportionally impact minority-owned businesses,” the groups allege in court papers, “at a time when these businesses can least afford it.” [Daily Intelligencer]

Soda Ban Opponents Now Include the NAACP and the Hispanic Federation