Philadelphia imposes a tax on soft drinks

Philadelphia became the first large American city to impose a tax on soft drinks in what could be a tipping point in the long-running war between health advocates and the soda industry.

After months of contentious debate, the city council voted 13-4 to approve a 1 and a half cent per ounce tax on sugary and diet drinks to fund children's education and park programs in the city.

Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney sold the council on the idea with a plan to spend most of the estimated 90 million USD in new tax revenue next year to pay for prekindergarten, community schools and recreation centers. (MTI)