pop, as it's known in parts of the USA, is a target for thirsty lawmakers. Soft drinks have been linked to obesity and diabetes, which drive up medical costs. They think an excise tax on soda could improve health while generating billions of dollars. But several observations give reasons why things go better without a soda tax:
Everyone needs to drink fluids and consume calories. So the soda tax breaks entirely new ground.
A soda tax would hit hardest the low- and middle-income families who spend a larger share of their income on beverages and other groceries.
Why single out soft drinks? After all there are other fattening foods that contribute to obesity and other health problems. How about a per-calorie tax on groceries and restaurant meals? Exactly it doesn’t sound right!
Under the proposal being promoted by the food police, the tax would enforce that every 12 ounces of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks containing sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other similar sweeteners would be taxed. The tax would not apply to diet drinks, although several studies have shown that no-calorie soft drinks do little to curb obesity, but still it can’t be any better for you!!!
So yeah this sounds pretty messed up.
Everyone needs to drink fluids and consume calories. So the soda tax breaks entirely new ground.
A soda tax would hit hardest the low- and middle-income families who spend a larger share of their income on beverages and other groceries.
Why single out soft drinks? After all there are other fattening foods that contribute to obesity and other health problems. How about a per-calorie tax on groceries and restaurant meals? Exactly it doesn’t sound right!
Under the proposal being promoted by the food police, the tax would enforce that every 12 ounces of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks containing sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other similar sweeteners would be taxed. The tax would not apply to diet drinks, although several studies have shown that no-calorie soft drinks do little to curb obesity, but still it can’t be any better for you!!!
So yeah this sounds pretty messed up.