The effects of Seattle’s soda tax are finally being realized — and business leaders are furious
The absurdity of Seattle’s new sugary drink tax was exposed earlier this month when adjusted Costco price labels made headlines nationwide.
Thanks to the 1.75 cents per ounce tax, a 36-pack of soda at a Seattle Costco rose in price by 75 percent, while a 35-pack of gatorade raised by similar levels. While city leaders say the tax will benefit the city, business leaders and representatives say the tax will do nothing but hurt Seattle businesses, their employees and, in the long-term, the city itself.