A 1-minute radio spot airs in New York this week. If you can’t see the player below, listen to the audio clip here.
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The radio spot is part of a push by New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, representing about 300 businesses and sponsored by the American Beverages Association.
It concludes that consumers have the right to purchase beverages in whatever size they choose, and urges New Yorkers to oppose Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed ban on the sale of sweetened drinks in cups or containers larger than 16oz.
The radio spot features voiceovers that sound like New Yorkers, all slightly incredulous and some with city accents, describing the ban as an affront to residents’ freedom of choice.
“Once again, he’s telling us what we can and can’t have,” says one man.
“I make the decisions for me and my family, thank you very much,” adds a female voice.
The proposed ban, which would apply to drinks with 25 calories or more per 8oz, has been controversial since Bloomberg proposed it at the end of May. Critics say it’s confusing and possibly ineffective since the beverages are banned from restaurants, movie theatres and arenas, but not supermarkets and grocery stores.
Eliot Hof, a spokesman for the New Yorkers for Beverage Choices coalition, said that it will put out advertisements over the next few weeks and has encouraged New Yorkers to sign petitions and submit comments to the Board of Health.
“We’re looking at every opportunity to get the message out,” he said. “This impacts every New Yorker in all five boroughs.”
Source: New Yorkers for Beverage Choices
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