As city residents descend on Long Island City to attend the public hearing on the proposed ban of sugary drinks, New Yorkers for Beverage Choices questioned the timing of the meeting.
The hearing at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s headquarters began at 1 p.m., a time New Yorkers for Beverage Choices believes prevents many from attending.
“By scheduling this hearing in the middle of a business day during many restaurants’ and delis’ busy lunch periods, the Department of Health is sending a clear message that they are not interested in hearing what real New Yorkers have to say about this proposal,” the group said in a statement.
The organization said they have collected signatures from more than 91,000 residents and 1,500 businesses in the city opposing the ban.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his plan to ban sugary drinks above 16 ounces in May.
Today is the lone public hearing. The city’s Board of Health will vote on the measure in September.
