A proposal to tax sodas and other sugary beverages was passed by 75% of voters in the City of Berkeley Tuesday, representing the nation’s first ever soda tax. On the same day, however, a similar measure failed to garner enough support in nearby San Francisco.
Berkeley’s Measure D needed only a simple majority to pass. It imposes a penny-per-ounce tax on sodas and other sweetened drinks like sports drinks, while exempting diet soft drinks. San Francisco’s Measure E—which would have imposed a tax of two cents per ounce—had a much higher threshold to contend with. Since the revenue would have been earmarked for specific activities and programs, the measure required a 2/3 majority. In Berkeley, the additional revenue will be put towards the general fund.
"We're saying that Berkeley and the rest of the country need to pay attention that soda is such a destructive product,” said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. Supporters of the tax hope others will soon follow suit. Thus far, more than 30 cities have rejected a similar tax on sugary beverages.
The beverage industry, which spent a combined $11.5 million to defeat the measures in both Berkeley and San Francisco, took a dismissive tone towards Tuesday’s results.
"Berkeley is very eclectic,” said Roger Salazar, spokesman for the opposition campaign. “It doesn't look like Anytown USA.” San Francisco, on the other hand, "made it clear that they can decide for themselves what to eat and drink,” he added.
Read more about Tuesday’s results here.