Unincorporated San Mateo County may try a soda tax

Tax to improve health, or just to fatten revenue?  Don't tell Pacifica about this one.

Palo Alto Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, 8/3/12.  "San Mateo County sipping on the thought of a soda tax."

Most dentists agree no soda tax if its diet

Don't blame me for your fat

"With reduction of sugary beverages as the goal, San Mateo County officials are floating the idea of pushing for a "soda tax" in unincorporated areas similar to one voters in Richmond are being asked to approve this November. 

In May, the county's health department posted a poll on its website asking "Do you think a tax on soda would help reduce obesity?" It was linked to a 1,138-word explanation under the title, "A soda tax could help stop us from pouring on the pounds."  

....  She underscored that a soda tax was an idea, not a proposal.  ....The American Beverage Association responded with a statement that said that such taxes are "discriminatory" and "misguided" and would not "have a meaningful impact on obesity." 

....  The idea of a soda tax has not come before the Board of Supervisors, said county spokesman Marshall Wilson." Read Article. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh