California bans any new sugary drinks taxes

The New York Times reported that following pressure from the beverage industry local areas can no longer legislate for sugary drinks or food taxes. Arizona and Michigan have already passed similar laws and pre-emption bills are being considered in Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Washington.

By tackling the issue at a state level the beverage industry no longer has to fight against proposed laws city by city. The New York Times quoted Franco Ripple, a spokesman for the Campaign to Defend Local Solutions who said: “It’s a little bit like, instead of playing a game of whack-a-mole, you could just put a sheet of plywood over all the holes.”

The beverage industry responded to the New York Times article saying that the statewide measures are an appropriate way to protect local businesses and consumers from higher taxes. “People across the country are taxed enough, and they can’t afford new taxes on what they eat and drink,” said William Dermody, the vice president for media and public affairs at the American Beverage Association, an industry trade group.

Sustain was instrumental in the introduction of the UK’s Sugary Drinks Tax which began in April this year.