Advocates on both sides of the New York City proposal to limit the size of soda and other sugary drinks in eateries are facing off a day before public hearings.
More than 100 protesters gathered on the steps of City Hall on Monday to voice their opposition. Many wore t-shirts that said, “I picked out my beverage all by myself.”
Some protesters say they work for Coca-Cola; others are representing the restaurant industry.
Real estate broker Danny Panzella says he has no financial stake in the issue and is protesting because he’s a libertarian. He carried a sign that read, “My Body, My Choice.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg held a separate event Monday promoting the proposal. He says the city’s trans fat ban met with similar resistance but is reducing fat consumption.