According to Gothamist, the proposal to tax sugared sodas in New York is gaining steam. Politicians see the penny-per-ounce tax as a way to fill the budget gap, combat obesity, and lower healthcare costs (proceeds would at least partially help fund healthcare). This is a similar proposal to the lucrative tax on cigarettes, which now cost $10-11 a pack in NYC due to all the additional taxes. Thank goodness I don't smoke.
I also don't drink sugared sodas (other than an occasional Welch's Grape) - and sugar-free/diet sodas will not be taxed.
What do you think about these "vice" taxes? Do you think they work? Do you have them where you live?
