El Monte, California city council approves 'soda pop tax'

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://news.yahoo.com/drink-lobby-gears-fight-soda-tax-plan-california-221956556--sector.html?_esi=1

By Tim Reid | Reuters – 5 hrs ago

(Reuters) - Beverage industry groups, looking to stop health-conscious Americans from taxing sugary drinks, have launched a national campaign opposing a proposal for a local tax in the city of El Monte, California.

The El Monte city council on Tuesday approved a measure that would add a 1 cent tax for every ounce of "sugar sweetened" drinks. The proposal is scheduled to be voted on by city residents in November's election.

El Monte's mayor said the tax would provide badly needed revenue for a city that has been forced to slash its workforce to save money, and would help fight obesity in a city where half the children have weight problems.

Industry groups quickly said they will marshal forces to kill off the measure. They already are fighting a similar tax proposed two months ago by the city of Richmond, California.

"Even if those don't pass in November, there could certainly be the potential of future tax threats in other cities," Karen Hanretty, vice-president of public affairs for the American Beverage Association, said.

"We will support any 'no' campaign," Hanretty said.

Rising deficits have forced three California cities to file or plan bankruptcy petitions since June. The city council of San Bernardino voted on July 19 to seek Chapter 9 protection.

"This tax is a sign of the times," said Bob Achermann, executive director of the Californa/Nevada Soft Drink Association, said. "City governments are looking for revenue. We think this is a misguided approach."

El Monte's mayor, Andre Quintero, said his city is not facing bankruptcy and had managed to balance its budget for fiscal year 2013.

But in a city with 13.7 per cent unemployment, far exceeding the national average of 8.1 per cent, El Monte cut its workforce from 420 employees to 290 in the past four years.

"We have long-term challenges," Quintero said. "We need the revenue."

With more Americans concerned about obesity, especially in children, the campaign against soft-drinks is gaining momentum from coast to coast.

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a ban on large sodas, the first of its kind in the nation, which New York's Board of Health is expected to pass in September.

Bloomberg's proposal would limit servings of sugary drinks to 16 ounces (473 ml) at most restaurants, theaters, delis, vending carts and stadium concessions.

A state-wide soda tax proposal last year by Democratic Californian assemblyman Bill Monning failed after vigorous opposition from a broad coalition including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Restaurant Association.

Edited July 27, 2012 by Bad_Daddy

[spookyturtle 9,466]

A penny an ounce tax will be a big increase on a 2 liter bottle. That will increase the price approx 50%.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

They should raise a tax on drinks sweetened with HFCS and give drinks sweetened with actual sugar a free ride.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

A penny an ounce tax will be a big increase on a 2 liter bottle. That will increase the price approx 50%.

If there was ever a people that cut off their nose to spite their face it's Californians.

If that tax passes watch those people purchase outside of city limits in bulk. California is all about tax and spend.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. :devil:

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. :devil:

[spookyturtle 9,466]

:lol:

[rocks 494]

If that tax passes watch those people purchase outside of city limits in bulk.

It's like the dry counties we have here and the stupid no liquor on Sundays rule. We only just got 8% beer, before we were only allowed to buy up to 5%. Does it stop anyone? No. Does it make people go to a different state/county to buy what they want? Yes. Why give our money away to Louisiana?

[Harsh_77 718]

It's like the dry counties we have here and the stupid no liquor on Sundays rule. We only just got 8% beer, before we were only allowed to buy up to 5%. Does it stop anyone? No. Does it make people go to a different state/county to buy what they want? Yes. Why give our money away to Louisiana?

Coz some of our lawmakers are very clever ppl....

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

It's like the dry counties we have here and the stupid no liquor on Sundays rule. We only just got 8% beer, before we were only allowed to buy up to 5%. Does it stop anyone? No. Does it make people go to a different state/county to buy what they want? Yes. Why give our money away to Louisiana?

Anchorage passed a no smoking ban in the bars up here and now hundreds of people from Anchorage drive north to Wasilla and Palmer to party down for the weekends. Not a tax but it had the same effect.

[rocks 494]

Anchorage passed a no smoking ban in the bars up here and now hundreds of people from Anchorage drive north to Wasilla and Palmer to party down for the weekends. Not a tax but it had the same effect.

Yes, same effect. That one will take a while to get people used to. I think that one is a good rule. I used to smoke but I still preferred to go outside when I did. Mind you I've never lived in Alaska.