PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A renewed attempt by a small group of Rhode island lawmakers to place a new tax on "sugar-sweetened beverages'' is drawing fire from the national food and restaurant industry.
The legislationintroduced late last week would add a $1.28-per-gallon tax to the price of any sugar-sweetened syrup, powder or soft-drink. Sponsors include: Reps. Edith Ajello, Arthur Handy, Teresa Tanzi, Maria Cimini and Larry Valencia.
An industry-led group known as the "Center for Consumer Freedom'' called the so-called soda tax "absurdly misguided when it comes to promoting weight loss.
"Study after study has demonstrated that soda is not a unique contributor to obesity" the group said.
The bill defines sugar-sweetened beverage as any "nonalcoholic beverage ... containing sugar, corn syrup or any other high-calorie sweetener including ... sodas, sports drinks or energy drinks."