Should Pop Drinkers Pay More?

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Should Pop Drinkers Pay More?

Posted by lugtigheid 689 days ago (http://www.conferenceboard.ca)
Category: Economy | Tags: tax vat soda pop

While a tax on a specific good, such as soft drinks, may be more politically acceptable than a VAT, it does raise some important issues. For instance, is it justifiable to single out certain products for higher rates of taxation?

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tamar 689 days ago

Yes. :)

JoeTaxpayer 689 days ago

This opens up a can of worms, doesn't it? Do we really want the government debating what's good for us?

Will they tax fat grams next? BTW - my best diet ever was Atkins. Meat, meat, and more meat. Expensive enough without the do-gooders adding some more tax on it.

A VAT, on the other hand, is somewhat regressive as those making millions are not spending a good chunk of it. Those just getting by are spending every last dime.

tamar 689 days ago

This has been under debate in NY for some time, and to be frank (and maybe because I hate soda), I'd rather them tax something unhealthy than raising prices/taxes on other widespread activities (e.g. transit - especially as it relates to service cuts!). Drinking soda is a choice. Don't want to pay the tax? Don't buy soda.

JoeTaxpayer 688 days ago

Let's say I agree soda is unhealthy. What defines soda? How about the non-carbonated crap such as kool-aid or any high sugar drink? Are those taxed?

I'm not a biologist, is the sugar in Orange Juice any better than that in soda? Still looks like "grams sugar" to me.

How about my sugar free beverages, the diet drinks, teas and sodas?

That's the can of worms I spoke of.

You tax an item, demand goes down, people are out of work. Unintended consequences. I am not a soda fan. I don't like when someone else is deciding what's best for me. The high carb food pyramid damaged the health of a generation. The new one looks little better.

tamar 688 days ago

Let's tax all of them :)

georgeu2000 688 days ago

Yes.

gresham 687 days ago

I don't mind "sin" taxes but I think taxing soda is going too far. I wonder if diet soda's (0 calories) would be included.

tamar 687 days ago

Only soda drinkers would say that. I've been drinking water for 6 months now and lost 35 lbs.

gresham 687 days ago

That's hilarious and true. I drink diet so there is no impact to my weight.

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