Businesses fear sugary drink tax as proponents hope bills are brought to a vote
Amanda Pitts
June 9, 2021
FOSTER, R.I. (WLNE) – Beverages with added sugar could become more expensive if a bill taxing sugary drinks is passed in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is leading the charge on the bill that would tax beverages like soda, lemonades and sports drinks by 1.5-cent-per-ounce. The institute estimates as much as $45 million could be raised by the tax, and that money would fund a program incentivizing healthy eating.
For low income families using SNAP benefits, a 50% discount would be applied for fruit and vegetable purchases at the grocery store.
“We know that processed sugar is one of those things that leads to chronic medical diseases like diabetes, which is just a huge burden not just to Rhode Island but across the world. So it’s a win from that regard, in terms of decreasing sugar, and it’s also a win-win because it increases funding for SNAP incentives,” said Dr. Philip Chan, medical director at RIPHI.
The Institute is confident the sugary drink tax bill will pass if lawmakers bring it to a vote. Hearings on the bill have wrapped up.
“We are now waiting for this bill to be brought to the floor. We believe, if the vote were held today, we would have the votes for this to pass,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, executive director of RIPHI. “The time to act on this bill is now.”
Small business owners like Eli Berkowitz who owns Little Rhody Foods in Foster thinks the tax is unfair.