Anti-Bloomberg Bill Passes in Mississippi

Michael Bloomberg's soft drinks ban, which was supposed to take effect this past March 12 yet failed in doing so, has just received yet another hit. Long story short, the state of Mississippi passed a so-called anti-Bloomberg bill, whose purpose is that of making the business of limiting soda and food serving sizes illegal.

Mike Cashion, currently employed as the executive director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, did not shy away from admitting that this ban was no more and no less than a reaction against Mayor Bloomberg's thinking that he had a right to tell people how much they should eat or drink.

Following its being passed out of the state House and Senate, the anti-Bloomberg bill is to be signed by Governor Phil Bryant.

Once the bill takes effect, restaurants and bars located in the state of Mississippi will be kept safe from any rules and regulations that might require them to post calorie counts for the dishes and beverages they serve.

Furthermore, they will be allowed to determine portion sizes according to their own preferences, and even include toys in kids' meals whenever they see fit, Salon reports.

It is Mike Cashion's belief that giving such freedom to restaurants and bars is mandatory, seeing how consumers are fully capable of making their own decisions when it comes to their diet and need not receive external guidance.

“If you look at how menus have changed, whether it be in fast food or family dining, you are seeing more and more healthy options. Not because of legislative mandates or regulatory mandates, but because of consumer demand,” Mike Cashion told members of the press.

“Our industry has always been one to respond to the marketplace,” he went on to argue.

Although it is true that the supporters of this anti-Bloomberg bill are making some very compelling points, the fact remains that the state of Mississippi is currently considered to be the most obese in the United States, which is why some people might disapprove of its rolling out this piece of legislation.