San Francisco Considers a Tax on Sugary Drinks

onday, 17 December 2007 6:28AM

SF Considers a Tax on Sugary Drinks

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- For years, the idea of taxing soda to beat back obesity has been tossed around in medical circles. But now, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is proposing a tax on beverages high in fructose corn syrup.

Newsom says obesity accounts for tens of millions of dollars in city health care costs. He cites a recent San Francisco Health Department survey that found nearly a quarter of the city's 5th, 7th and 9th graders were overweight and that high sugar drinks make up a tenth of a kid's daily calorie count.

Newsom reportedly wants all big box retailers and chain drug stores to pay into his new "Shape up San Francisco" program, which started this past summer with a walking regimen.

This comes as the state of California is considering slapping caffeine-infused sodas, and energy drinks with warning labels, saying consumption can contribute to diabetes.

I think it's unfair that people who do NOT have weight problems to be taxed for foods with sugar. There is nothing wrong with sweet stuff, it's only bad when you're a pig. Will they soon put a tax on bread and other carbs?

Thank God I don't live there.