Berkeley proposes soda tax on sugary drinks

[jsr]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/26/us-usa-sodas-california-idUSBREA1P0S620140226

California city tests waters for soft drinks tax
By Laila Kearney
BERKELEY, California | Wed Feb 26, 2014 7:00am EST

(Reuters) - A California city is to consult its citizens on whether to impose a soda tax on sugary drinks, following failed bids by other local governments to pass similar measures.

The Berkeley City Council will gauge local voter support for a penny-per-ounce tax - opposed by most of the soft drinks industry but which its backers say could help to curb obesity and diabetes - in an opinion poll next week.

Depending on the outcome, it might include a referendum on introducing the tax in a city-wide ballot in November.

Other U.S. cities have tried without success to enact such a tax amid a growing national movement to curb the consumption of high-calorie beverages. Proposals are under consideration in San Francisco and the state of Illinois.

[yeoman6987]

1. As long as they leave my diet cokes alone

lol. Always about me. I think this is a good idea, but I am not convinced it will stop people from drinking a soda. I mean people literally buy a 32 ounce soda for 6.50 at a movie theater. But we will see.

[madrchsod]

2. dumb idea...but a good way to raise revenue for the local or state governments

[HappyMe]

3. Good grief!

It sounds to me more like a we want money thing, rather than concern.

[Capt. Obvious]

4. Did they see how smokers felt before raising those taxes?

[MO_Moderate]

5. I don't know what country I live in anymore

[NM_Birder]

6. Cut out the middle man, and just tax obesity.

adding an additional tax to sugary drinks, which it's backers "say could help curb obesity" is as insulting as it gets.
" If your chubby little sausage fingers won't stop consuming junk food, at least we'll get some tax revenue "