SEATTLE (RNN) - Seattle’s new sweetened beverages tax may save lives in the long run, but soda consumers are feeling the squeeze on their wallets.
The city council voted to tax beverages with added sugar in June 2017. The new ordinance went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
According to the Seattle Times, doctors say the goal is to discourage the public from buying sugary drinks linked to health issues like hypertension, type-2 diabetes, dental decay and heart disease.
It's the same way the tax on tobacco is meant to discourage smokers from making the purchase.
Critics say it punishes the poor. They fear it will hurt businesses and low-income areas.
KCPQ reported distributors will pay $.175 per fluid ounce. It means a 12-ounce can of soda costs 21 cents more and a liter will cost about 60 cents more.
A whole case of soda is an extra $2.52, according to KCPQ.
To read the ordinance, click here.
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