NAACP Fights Racial Unfairness of NYC Soda Limit

Rights group rebukes regulation for its sizable burden on minority-owned stores

The NAACP doesn’t want black and Latino people to be obese. But they don’t see how the benefits of New York City’s soda size limit outweigh what they’re calling an unfair burden on minority-owned businesses. Stores, delis and restaurants are subject to a limit on the size of sugary drinks they sale, under threat of $200 fines. The civil rights group’s New York state branch, along with the Hispanic Federation, are joining beverage makers and sellers to stop the city’s rule from taking effect March 12. “This sweeping regulation will no doubt burden and disproportionally impact minority-owned businesses at a time when these businesses can least afford it," the group said in court papers, adding that the city should instead focus on increasing physical education in schools. The critics of the law are expected to attend a hearing Wednesday. Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration has said the city’s rising obesity rate – about 24 percent of adults – warrants the action. (Associated Press)

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