Court Refuses to Reinstate Ban on Large Sodas

New York State’s highest appeals court has refused to reinstate former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on the sale of big sodas by restaurants and other vendors in New York City, striking a fatal blow to the controversial rule.

The court ruled Thursday that the city’s health department overstepped its bounds when it passed the ordinance.

The court is siding with a lower court that overturned the 2012 ban. The city had hoped Thursday’s ruling would reinstate the restrictions, which banned the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, a supporter of the soda proposal, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the ruling. The mayor said he would review other options for the city to combat obesity, but his team did not immediately specify what steps might be taken.