Government
The Latest in the Fight to Tax Sugary Drinks
This week, Philadelphia joins the ranks of cities weighing fees on sweetened beverages.
Guzzling sugary drinks is about to get a little pricier in Philadelphia. In a 13-4 vote Thursday, the city council approved mayor Jim Kenney’s plan to levy a tax of 1.5 cents per ounce on sweetened fountain drinks and bottled beverages, including full-sugar and diet sodas, energy drinks, and iced teas.
Shoppers will have to pony up an additional $2.16 for a 12-pack of soda. This measure is the latest in dozens of attempts across the U.S. to curtail or tax consumption of sugar-laden beverages.