Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters Clash Over Proposed Soda Ban In New York City (VIDEO)

The co-hosts of "The View" clashed over a controversial proposal to restrict the size of sugary drinks in New York City on Friday.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently proposed a ban on the sale of sugary drinks larger than sixteen ounces. The idea has generated criticism from the public and even Jon Stewart.

Whoopi Goldberg was especially opposed to Bloomberg's proposal on Friday. She brought out a tray of different-sized drink containers, and wanted to know what would stop people from buying two drinks or more. "It seems kind of dumb!" she said about the ban.

Barbara Walters had a different take on the issue. She pointed out that New Yorkers were outraged when Bloomberg banned smoking in bars and restaurants in 2003, but that the law has been widely accepted. She praised Bloomberg's initiative, saying, "This man is trying to preserve, or help, our health."

She added that it was ironic that people want the government to help solve the obesity crisis, but object when it intervenes.

Goldberg, however, argued that the law would impose on people's rights. "Why should you not be able to get a big ole drink if you want to?" she asked Walters. "I don't like what happens when these bans come on because then you become a criminal, then you're pushed outside like something's wrong with you."

"Nobody is talking about criminalizing!" Walters countered later.

She raised the merits of his plan again. "[Bloomberg's] is trying to make people understand what some of the causes are of obesity," she said. "We want government to get involved. When they do, then we say it's not their business."