The Philadelphia Business Journal on Wednesday published an opinion piece authored by Alex Baloga, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, that discusses the detrimental impact the Philadelphia Beverage Tax continues to have on city stores.
Baloga writes: "The levy affects retailers large and small – from national supermarket chains to small, family-owned convenience stores. More than 1,200 jobs have been lost. A West Philadelphia ShopRite closed in March 2019 due to the tax. In short, Philadelphia’s beverage tax has been an economic disaster."
The 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax doubles the cost of a 2-liter bottle of soda from $1 to $2, and a 12-pack of 12-ounce sodas has gone up by $2.16. But it’s not just a simple “soda tax.” Philadelphia’s sweetened beverage tax covers more than 4,000 items including teas, sports drinks, diet beverages, and energy drinks.
PFMA is urging lawmakers to support House Bill 1464, bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover Twp.) that preempts Philadelphia’s beverage tax and prevents similar taxes on foods and beverages from spreading throughout the state. It restores balance to families and ensures businesses can operate on a level and predictable playing field.
Read the article in its entirety here.
Baloga writes: "The levy affects retailers large and small – from national supermarket chains to small, family-owned convenience stores. More than 1,200 jobs have been lost. A West Philadelphia ShopRite closed in March 2019 due to the tax. In short, Philadelphia’s beverage tax has been an economic disaster."
The 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax doubles the cost of a 2-liter bottle of soda from $1 to $2, and a 12-pack of 12-ounce sodas has gone up by $2.16. But it’s not just a simple “soda tax.” Philadelphia’s sweetened beverage tax covers more than 4,000 items including teas, sports drinks, diet beverages, and energy drinks.
PFMA is urging lawmakers to support House Bill 1464, bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover Twp.) that preempts Philadelphia’s beverage tax and prevents similar taxes on foods and beverages from spreading throughout the state. It restores balance to families and ensures businesses can operate on a level and predictable playing field.
Read the article in its entirety here.
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