ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York's highest court has refused to reinstate New York City's ban on the sale of big sodas.

The state's Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the city's health department overstepped its bounds when it restricted the size of sodas.

Big gulp cup
Big Gulp cup (Dan Alexander, Townsquare Media NJ)
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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.

Pushed by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg as a way to fight obesity and other health conditions, the limits would apply to restaurants, delis, movie theaters, stadiums and street carts.

Restaurants, theater owners and beverage companies sued. They argued that New York City didn't have the authority to impose the ban.

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