NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 23: Bottles of soda are displayed on a shelf on January 23, 2013 in New York City. As American consumers continue to shift to water, coffee, and other drinks, soda sales have fallen in the U.S. Soda sales in volume dropped 1.8% last year to $28.70 billion. In New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has a launched a campaign and passed a ban on extra large-size sodas, which his administration has linked to diabetes and obesity. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
(AP) - A coming crackdown on the size of sugary soft drinks is beginning to take shape on tables and menus in New York City, even as opponents hope for a reprieve.
Some restaurants are ordering smaller glasses. Dunkin' Donuts shops are telling customers they'll have to sweeten and flavor their own coffee. Coca-Cola has printed posters explaining the new rules. A bowling lounge is squeezing carrot and beet juice as a potential substitute for pitchers of soda at family parties.
Under the first-of-its-kind rule, businesses from delis to movie theaters can't sell some sugar-laden beverages in cups or containers bigger than 16 ounces.
It's set to take effect Tuesday, though critics have asked a judge to put it on hold until he rules on their bid to block it.
Associated Press