Living up to its reputation of being a trend setter for the nation, Berkeley residents voted in the country’s first tax on sugary drinks, despite a large campaign by the industry to prevent this from happening.
The so-called ‘soda tax’ supporters had pinned their hopes on Berkeley leading the way due to its reputation for being politically progressive, and they were not disappointed. With the passage of this measure, Berkeley may be adding to its list of social measures that have become mainstream, such as public school food policies, smoke-free public spaces, and curbside recycling.
San Francisco had a similar proposal defeated when it received only 55% of the vote. A majority of two thirds was required for passage. Here in Berkeley, the bar was set lower with only a straight majority needed to pass. The vote here, however, was hardly a close call, since nearly 75% voted in favor of the tax.
Passage means a cent-per-ounce tax will be levied on non-alcoholic drinks that meet the criteria of containing more than two calories for every ounce and added sweeteners. This means non-diet soda, sweetened ice tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks will be taxed, but milk products and meal-replacing drinks will not.
The new tax will become effective January 1, 2015. Before then, retailers will likely be contacting flyer printing companies for assistance in informing their customers of the change.
