Utah’s Love of Soda Makes Ban on Oversized Drinks Unlikely

Utah soda drinkers proudly defended their right to drink as much as they want Thursday after hearing of New York City’s plan to ban large sodas and other sugary drinks. Such a restriction would never happen in Utah, health advocates predict.

"We can’t even get the Legislature to support removing vending machines in schools," said Gina Cornia, the executive director of Utahns Against Hunger. "[People] compare the ability to have the access to that to saluting the flag."


New York CityMayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal would affect the city’s restaurants, delis and movie theaters in an attempt to combat obesity. The move is seen by critics as an expansion of his administration’s efforts to encourage healthy behavior by limiting residents’ choices.

In Utah, where many elected officials shun coffee as members of the LDS Church, soda flows freely at the Legislature. Lawmakers can sip free soft drinks in large cups in rooms throughout the state Capitol building during their annual session.

A 2008 state health report found that 23.6 percent of teenagers in Utah drink at least seven sodas each week. The sugar content of one 12-oz soft drink per day exceeds the daily recommendation by the U.S. Health and Human Services for almost all age groups.  Salt Lake Tribune