Maybe you drink a soda everyday or when it's really hot outside. Perhaps you don't even like soda, but ultimately it's your choice."Yeah, it is my decision. If I want to buy a soda then I want to buy a soda," says Tryon resident Amanda Thompson.
Many lawmakers across North Carolina feel the same. On Tuesday, a bill was filed to make sure those large, oversized, gigantic cups will remain filled.
"Whatever they like to drink, they should be able to drink it," adds Gaden Corpening of Tryon.
Don't say ‘cheers' yet. The legislation which prohibits cities and counties from limiting how big a drink can be hasn't been voted on.
Mississippi passed a similar law in March. The state ranks number one in the U.S. for having the highest obesity rate according to Trust for America's Health. North Carolina is 17th.
The bill labeled Commonsense Consumption Act is the opposite of what New York City's mayor attempted to do -- capping drink sizes.
"That is just too much government intrusion. I think that people should have choices. As the business owner, I will cater to what my customer's desire, not what the government desires," said Randy Masters, owner of Tryon Food and Fuel.
Masters believes local officials should have the power to regulate the size of drinks, not state or federal lawmakers.
Pam Foster, a registered dietitian in Henderson County says that stopping people from consuming their favorite treat can sometimes backfire.
"What I understand from research is that people respond better to being told what they can eat then rather being told what they cannot eat," Foster said.
No state has found a one-size-fits-all solution to combat the effects of high-calorie, sugary beverages on the public's health...
But lawmakers aren't ready to stick a straw in it.
The bill would also protects companies that sell or distribute unhealthy food products from lawsuits stemming from weight gain, obesity and other health-related issues.
