Watch your grocery bills: Soft drinks are going to get more expensive in Seattle.
The City Council voted to approve a new tax on fizzy beverages June 5. It’s expected to curb consumption and raise money for food banks and programs to provide food to low-income families.
The city will levy a 1.75-cent tax on each ounce. The tax will be charged to distributors. Diet versions and coffee concoctions will be exempted.
Proponents cite positive health impacts of lower consumption, such as lower rates of diabetes and heart disease. Opponents point to the regressive nature of the tax and the greater likelihood that the burden will fall on communities of color and, possibly, the very people who will need to take advantage of the food programs for which they will be indirectly paying.
Unions that represent the distributors are also opposed to the tax.
Wait, there's more. Read the full June 14 issue.
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