According to a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, the majority of New Yorkers oppose Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal of banning of soft drinks larger than 16-ounces, however New Yorkers are in favor of the crackdown on alcohol abuse.

The new Qunnipiac poll included 1,298 New Yorkers. Many New Yorkers believe it would be a good idea for an intervention against alcohol abuse. The poll demonstrates 56 percent support for the proposed plans. Of parents with children under the age of 18, 62 percent are in favor compared to 17 percent who are against it. The number of women supporting Mayor Bloomberg's plan was also very high at 61 percent.

Additionally, among blacks 63 percent were also in support of the crackdown against alcohol abuse. The strongest support was seen in every borough except Staten Island, where voters were 40 percent in favor compared to 35 percent who did not support the effort and 25 percent who were undecided.

When it comes to the proposal against soft drinks 16-ounces or larger, 54 percent of voters opposed the ban compared to 42 percent who supported the ban. This compares to 51 percent who opposed the proposed ban and 46 percent who supported the ban in a poll that Quinnipiac University originally took in June.

While several groups greatly oppose the limit, Democrats are divided with 48 supporting the ban and 49 percent opposing the ban. Women are divided with 46 percent who support for the ban and 49 percent who oppose it. Attitudes by borough range from 49 - 48 percent, in Manhattan, compared to a negative 23 - 74 percent in Staten Island.

Along with the ban of soft drinks, many New Yorkers are also against Bloomberg's initiative to encourage breast-feeding by a 56 - 24 percent margin. Voters also oppose making baby formula less available to new mothers. Women contest this measure by 60 - 23 percent while men oppose it 53 - 24 percent.

Overall 50 percent of voters approve of Bloomberg's handling of public health. While there are a few who are divided by 47 - 49 percent on whether government should get involved in eating/drinking habits to fight obesity.

"Voters disagree with Mayor Michael Bloomberg's push to increase breast-feeding and to limit the size of sugary drinks, but they like the idea of cracking down on alcohol abuse," said Maurice Carroll, the director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Overall, New Yorkers give Hizzoner good grades on public-health as they reject the criticism that it's 'nanny government.'"

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