Bloomberg's Drink Rules Take Effect Next Week, But Starbucks Not Making Changes
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bravo Starbucks!
That's the sentiment caffeine lovers at the Starbucks at Penn Station expressed to 1010 WINS' reporter Gary Baumgarten after being told the chain is not worried about Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on large sugary drinks next week.
"I like it. I don't think it's right that he could change what they're selling. It's not capitalistic, that's socialist," one man said.
But it's not that the coffee giant is necessarily taking a stand against anything, there is just some confusion over the impending ban on sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces, which is set to take effect on March 12.
Bloomberg's Drink Rules Take Effect Next Week, But Starbucks Not Making Changes
Starbucks doesn't think the drinks it sells are subject to the regulations.
The company said that because of the milk content of its drinks, the fact that customers add their own sugar and still unanswered questions about the rules, it will continue selling 20-ounce ventis at its New York City stores.
A spokesman said "We're not making any immediate changes," according to published reports.
Many java lovers think that's the way it should be.
"I think people should be left alone and they should take the drink that they like," one woman said. "It's not as bad as smoking I guess."
"We have the right to freedom of choice. We should be able to choose whatever we want to have ourselves. That's our personal freedom right there," another man said.
The new rules, according to the Health Department, state that "Food service establishments cannot sell, offer or provide sugary drinks in cups, cans, bottles or containers that hold more than 16 ounces."
However, there are some exceptions, including milk shakes that are at least half milk, ice cream or milk substitute.
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