Boston Considering a ‘Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax’

A trip to the concession stand for a frosty Coca-Cola at Fenway Park, the TD Garden, or anywhere else in Boston could cost a wee bit more if the Boston City Council approves the so-called "Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SSBT)."

NBC 10 Boston reported District 8 City Councilor Sharon Durkan's proposal would add a "two-cent per ounce tax on sugary beverages." A 20-ounce soda would have a 40-cent tax tacked on.

Durkan figures the tax could generate between $20 and $30 million annually to "invest in food literacy programs that teach families how to cook nutritious meals and support recreational spaces and youth sports."

Massachusetts lawmakers considered legislation in 2017 that would have added taxes to soda and other sugary drinks to fight obesity-related diseases.

CNN reported in 2020, "Taxes on sugary drinks, a new study has revealed, can lead to major health gains and reductions in health care costs – but just how much of a benefit they provide can vary by the design of the tax."

Opponents of the proposed tax say it could impact small businesses and add an unfair burden to low-income communities.

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At a time when new taxes are being proposed and existing ones are being increased seemingly every day, a new tax on soda and sugary drinks might run into opposition on the streets of Boston.

You do recall what happened when the British Crown raised taxes on tea in Boston some years back? Some might say it was revolutionary!

Perhaps a public education campaign might be time and money better spent.