Opinion: Philadelphia soda tax does more harm than good
If you considered having a bottle of soda while grilling over the Memorial Day weekend, it’s time to take pause. In January 2017, Philadelphia became one of the first localities in the country to impose a specific tax on sweetened beverages.
Imposing an onerous tax on a particular category of food or beverage constitutes an infringement on our freedom to choose what we eat and drink. And it’s not just soda. In Philadelphia, the tax also applies to sports drinks, fruit juices, and sweetened coffees and teas. Even sugar-free diet drinks are targeted.
Putting aside those philosophical objections, there is mounting evidence that Philadelphia’s beverage tax is an economic disaster for the city’s business community and its residents.