NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City's Board of Heath is signaling support for the mayor's proposal to fight obesity by banning the sale of large sugary beverages at restaurants.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants thousands of eateries to serve high-calorie drinks like colas and punch in containers 16 ounces or smaller.

People would be free to buy a second round, but restaurants couldn't serve the 20-ounce cups popular at fast food eateries.

The health board voted unanimously Tuesday to begin a public comment period on the new rule. A formal vote on approval will come later, but several board members spoke strongly in favor of the plan.

A spokesman for the city's restaurant association says the rule would infringe on people's right to buy a legal product.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.