When people talk about the sugar tax (yep, it’s everywhere again!), the most common refrain is: “But where’s the proof it will WORK?”
A fair enough question. Despite evidence that a tobacco tax has reduced the rates of smoking, the idea of a sugar tax is still very new.
But before you dismiss it out of hand, consider the evidence we do have. From educating the public to, yep, reducing sugar intake, here’s the mounting global evidence that we should have a sugar tax here, too.
1. France bans unlimited soft drink refills.
France’s 2012 sugar tax has paved the way for more obesity policy – now they’ve banned all unlimited soft drink refills in restaurants, fast food chains and schools. Vive la révolution!
2. Free education in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Government promised money from the sugar tax would go back into education. Lo and behold, in January 2017, 2,000 new students started pre-K classes funded by the sugar tax – and that’s with just one week of revenue!
3. UK supermarkets reducing sugar.
With a UK sugar tax looming, manufacturers are racing to get their products under the threshold. Supermarkets are leading the way – Sainsbury’s, for example, has cut 633 tons of sugar from its drinks, and even turned its attention to lesser-known sugary foods like low-fat yoghurt.
4. Soda sales drop in Mexico.
Whether or not a sugar tax will actually reduce sales is a huge part of the debate. But Mexico’s 10 per cent sugar tax has proven modest results, with a 12 per cent drop in sugar-sweetened drinks sales. That’s nothing to sneeze at!
5. The conversation simmers Down Under.
Better late than never, Aussie health experts have jumped on recommending a sugar tax, and it has our pollies talking. Though our Government is against a sugar tax (for now), we’re happy that higher powers are FINALLY talking about the effects of sugar on our health.
As Sarah says, “This sugar tax debate has got the nation talking… and through this we all get educated.”
Is this enough evidence for a sugar tax in Australia?
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