Washington proposes statewide tax on sweetened beverages

Washington state is exploring a statewide sweetened beverage tax, similar to the tax on sweetened beverages introduced by Seattle 2017.

The Seattle tax, which in 2018 passed the city council, put a 1.75¢ per fluid ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages distributed in the city, with at least 40 calories per 12 fluid ounces.

The statewide copycat proposal, SB 5371, calls for a 1.75¢ per fluid ounce tax on on drinks containing 20 calories per 12 fluid ounces of sugar.

A public hearing in the state Senate is scheduled next week.

For more information, see article in MyNorthwest.