US: NY coalition opposes proposed beverage tax

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 20 January 2010

Coalition opposes proposed tax

US campaign group New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes has voiced its disappointment over a proposal to place a tax on sugar sweetened beverages.

The coalition, formed in opposition to taxes on food and beverage products, said yesterday (19 January) that it opposed Governor Paterson's plans to place a US$0.12 tax on 12oz cans of sugar sweetened soft drinks.

The tax would be “ten times higher” on a 12-pack of non-alcoholic beverages than the state tax on a 12-pack of alcoholic beverages, like beer, the coalition said.

“New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet in this economy and we shouldn't bear the burden of fixing the Governor's budget problems,” said Nelson Eusebio, chairman of New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes. “Another tax will be detrimental to hardworking New York businesses and residents.”

Members of the group include New York residents and business groups such as the New York State Restaurant Association, The New York Association of Convenience Stores, The Business Council of New York State and The National Supermarket Association.

The coalition added that this was “not the time” to tax the groceries of “hardworking New Yorkers”.

Governor Paterson failed in an attempt to impose a similar tax 12 months ago.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water