Last week, the Richmond City Council approved a November 2012 city ballot measure that would impose a penny-per-ounce sales tax on sweetened drinks, including soda and fruit beverages that contain less than 10% juice. Proponents of the measure say it would help address the obesity rate in the city, particularly among children, by generating funds for anti-obesity programs. Opponents argue that moderate consumption of sweetened beverages can be part of a healthy diet.