UPDATE: Chicago Businesses say ‘NO’ on Sugary Beverage Tax

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Editor’s note: this is an update of a past change. View the past change at: Update: Chicago Considers State-Wide Sugary Drink Tax

Mayor Emanuel listened to small businesses of Chicago, opting out on the recent proposals for a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks. The American Beverage Association (ABA) reported on September 23rd that the beverage tax will not take final vote on the budget until October 28th of 2015.

The ABA states they are supporting and protecting small business owners and that the taxes will hurt middle and low-income families trying to run their small businesses. The ordinance as currently proposed does not affect sugary drinks in fast food restaurants or otherwise dispensed by fountains, only those in bottles or cans.

And what about the health of middle and low-income families?

Latinos are especially prone to diabetes and more likely to be obese. Studies show that Latino teens are more likely to consume sugary sweet beverages than thier white peers. It is true that a small sugary beverages tax may decrease consumption of these unhealthy beverages, but it also may increase healthier purchases like other sugar-free beverage options.

Many citizens and those in public health are considering this tax for the health benefits of the community, hoping that a tax increase on sugary beverages will decrease chronic disease and diabetes linked to high consumption of sugary beverages.

The city also estimated that the penny taxes would help fight a budget deficit, bringing in over $130 million dollars per year.

The ABA says the “fight” will continue against taxing the sugary sweet drinks.