Kids who can’t wait to get to the soda in their happy meals aren’t going to like a new bill coming before the City Council.
In a bid to tackle childhood obesity, Council Speaker Corey Johnson said Thursday that he’s backing a measure that would make water, milk or 100 percent fruit juice the “default beverage option” in all kids’ meals served at restaurants.
The proposed legislation – sponsored by Councilman Ben Kallos (D-Manhattan) — isn’t an outright ban since it allows parents to request soda or other sugary beverages when placing their order.
“We want our kids to have access to healthy choices, and the default beverage options under this bill supports that goal,” said Johnson.
Unlike former Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s failed attempt to ban sales of large sodas at food outlets and movie theaters, Kallos’ bill has the support of the American Beverage Association.
The Council Health Committee this fall expects to hold hearings on the legislation, which is a version an earlier bill Kallos introduced in 2014.
The new law would apply to all 24,000 restaurants in the Big Apple, including Burger King, McDonald’s and other fast food joints.