New Yorkers for Beverage Choices Speak Out Against Soda Ban at City Hall

Hundreds of New York residents voice their opposition to the soda ban

NEW YORK, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Yorkers for Beverage Choices today rallied on the steps of City Hall with hundreds of New Yorkers and business owners who oppose the Bloomberg Administration's proposed beverage size restrictions.  The event provided a forum for New York City residents to make their voices heard against the proposed ban on certain sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, juice drinks, teas, sports drinks and flavored waters.

The steps of City Hall were packed to capacity as hundreds turned out to demand that the Board of Health respect the right of New Yorkers to make their own food and beverage choices.  The Coalition also delivered more than 90,100 protest petitions signed by New Yorkers from every corner of the city and every walk of life.

"It's time for us to take a stand -- we can decide what's best for our families without government help," Liz Berman, President of Continental Food and Beverage, and member of New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, said.  "We know we're playing against a stacked deck and we face an uphill climb, but we are here to make our voices heard.  The question is, will the Board of Health listen to us?"

Coalition members, business owners, City Council members, and representatives from the New York State Restaurant Association, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Theater Owners and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters all stepped up to the microphone to deliver the message to Mayor Bloomberg: hands off our beverages.

The proposal would regulate the serving size of certain beverages at delis, movie theaters, and restaurants.  The Board of Health will hold its first, and perhaps only, public hearing on the ban – which does not need City Council approval – tomorrow in Queens.  Today's event was a chance for New Yorkers to demand their voices are heard.

"We all want a healthier New York, but this ban isn't the way to go about it," City Council Member Letitia James said.  "They say they're having an open hearing tomorrow.  Will they open their ears and hear the tens of thousands of New Yorkers, business owners and others who oppose this ban?"

According to several recent polls, the majority New Yorkers oppose the proposal to limit the size of a soft drink to 16 ounces.  In six weeks, more than 90,100 New Yorkers and more than 1,350 businesses have joined the Coalition to speak out. The coalition encourages all New Yorkers to submit comments to the Board of Health and attend tomorrow's hearing.  For more information or to join the coalition, visit www.nycbeveragechoices.com.

SOURCE New Yorkers for Beverage Choices

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