Understanding beverage taxation: Perspective on the Philadelphia Beverage Tax's novel approach

• Main Authors: Ryan M. Kane (Author), Vasanti S. Malik (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.4081/jphr.2019.1466; 2279-9028; 2279-9036
• Keywords: public health policy; obesity; beverage tax; diabetes; sugar-sweetened beverages; public health ethics; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Journal of Public Health Research, Vol 8, Iss 1 (2019)

Despite the growing global trend of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes for their potential as an untapped source of revenue and as a public health boon, these legislative efforts remain controversial. Multiple articles have reviewed this trend in recent years from modeling of long-term impacts to short-term empirical studies, yet most comprehensive, long-term health impact assessments remain forthcoming. These multi-faceted efficacy studies combined with case-based assessments of the policy process, descriptive pieces highlighting unique features of the policy and reflective perspectives targeting unanswered questions create a comprehensive body of literature to help inform present and future legislative efforts. The passage of the Philadelphia Beverage tax required a mix of political entrepreneurs, timing and context; while uniquely employing a nonpublic health frame, specific earmarking and a broadened scope with the inclusion of diet beverages. This perspective on the Philadelphia Beverage Tax will describe the passage and novel features of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax with a discussion of the ethical questions unique to this case.