A court has blocked a ban on the sale of large sugary drinks – including soda – from restaurants in New York City, a day before the law was to take effect.

Judge Milton Tingling ruled that the measure was “arbitrary and capricious”, after industry groups sued the city.

The law would forbid the sale of drinks larger than 16 ounces (473ml) in food-service establishments.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has touted the ban as a way to reduce obesity.

Research suggests that 58% of adults in New York are obese or overweight.

In his ruling, Judge Tingling wrote that loopholes in the law “effectively defeat the stated purpose”.

The rule would apply to places serving food, ranging from pizzerias to sports stadiums and cinemas, though not at supermarkets or stores.

The measure was approved in September by the city Board of Health to come into force on 12 March, with fines of $200 (£134) not to be levied until June.

The judge ruled that the Bloomberg-appointed board had strayed into legislative territory that should belong to the elected City Council.

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