Proponents of S.F. Soda Tax Tout Mexico’s Success
Proponents of a San Francisco ballot measure that would levy a 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary beverages are pointing to the success of Mexico's 10% tax on sugary drinks. Preliminary data show that purchases of taxed sugary drinks in Mexico decreased by 10% in the first quarter of 2014, compared with the first quarter of 2013. San Francisco economist Ted Egan estimates that if Proposition E is approved, San Franciscans would reduce their soda consumption by 31% and that the tax would raise $35 million to $54 million annually for children's nutrition and physical education programs.
- "S.F. Soda Tax Backers Sweet on Mexico's Sugar-Fighting Success" (Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, 10/11).