Making Money From Empty Calories

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Created on Friday, 15 March 2013 16:37

Written by Joseph Peters

AROUND THE NEK - As prices continue to rise for staple items nationwide, a tax is in the works that would make Vermonters think twice before they buy a sugary beverage.The proposed sales tax would affect sugary beverages - soda, sports drinks, and any juice with a real juice content below 50%. Those beverages would be taxed an additional penny for every ounce. It may not seem like much, but it could add about 70 cents to every two-liter bottle of soda.

"I don't think it's fair for consumers," said Edward Colon, a Burke resident. "I don't think the government should be telling me what to drink. And I don't believe that we need another tax."

Those in favor of the bill call it a "sin tax" comparable to the current taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Those opposed to the bill don't see the connection.

"I really don't think it's like smoking," said Lyndon's Johanna Pierce. "People that smoke don't give it up until they're ready. Drinking sodas, there's people that just won't drink a diet soda."

A poll commissioned by the American Heart Association (AHA) said that only a quarter of Vermont residents would be willing to travel to another state to buy their sugary beverages. It's possible, though, that people from the Northeast Kingdom will be more willing to travel to New Hampshire to buy their beverages, simply because it's close.

"Yes, go to New Hampshire," Colon said. "We're getting our tax here in Vermont, between the gas and the sugar and whatever. It just keeps on accumulating, and it hits the pocket."