Seattle has accumulated some $10.5 million in the first six months of its tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
Before the tax began, officials estimated it would raise $14.8 million in for the entire year. The 1.75 cent-tax per fluid ounce on the distribution of sweetened beverages such as Pepsi and Coke, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other drinks took effect January 1. The tax excludes diet sodas.
City officials haven’t said why the tax may be raising more money than expected, and whether the collection results indicate the tax may be failing to steer consumers away from sugary drinks. (AP)
