Philadelphia may become the first major US city to implement a tax on sugary drinks. A vote next week could levy a tax of 1.5 cents per ounce of soda containing sugar or sweeteners, resulting in a 30 cents tax on a 20-ounce drink. Such taxes are usually seen as a way of countering public health issues such as diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. However, Philadelphia’s mayor, Jim Kenney, has presented the tax as a means of raising revenue for public services, rather than improving health. The proposal is being pushed by the American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper. San Francisco, Boulder and Oakland are among the communities hoping to introduce similar measures later this year.
Philadelphia may become the first major US city to implement a tax on sugary drinks. A vote next week could levy a tax of 1.5 cents per ounce of soda containing sugar or sweeteners, resulting in a 30 cents tax on a 20-ounce drink. Such taxes are usually seen as a way of countering public health issues such as diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. However, Philadelphia’s mayor, Jim Kenney, has presented the tax as a means of raising revenue for public services, rather than improving health. As a result, the range of products to be taxed has been altered for budgetary reasons, meaning that diet drinks will also be included. San Francisco, Boulder and Oakland are among the communities hoping to introduce similar measures later this year.