Businesses protest the introduction of Styrofoam ban bill

The mayor's plan to ban Styrofoam may have support from City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, but some area business owners say it will hurt their bottom line.

Restaurant owners rallied at City Hall Wednesday as Councilman Lew Fidler introduced the bill at the behest of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While the mayor has said food containers that use certain polystyrene items are dangerous to the environment, store workers say it is economical. "This is just another example of the administration trampling on the interests of the people who create jobs in this city," said Brooklyn restaurant owner Rosemary Nunez.

Quinn said she agrees with the bill, saying it was an important solution to the city's growing waste management problem.

It was not known when the vote will come before the full Council.