Taxing Sugary Drinks: Yay or Nay?

Vending machines exist in every office building and school, sodas and juices are sold on many city street corners and sports teams are constantly depicted drinking energy drinks. We are a sweet, sugary drink-guzzling nation. Over the last few years, some states have considered levying an additional tax on sugar-filled sodas, processed juices and sports drinks. Last October, Mayor Bloomberg proposed an NYC ban on using food stamps for the purchase of these drinks.

These taxes are being viewed by advocates as a way to enforce public health measures in order to improve health outcomes for the American public. Many detractors look at the the tax as heavy-handed government interference. But, are these kind of taxes even effective in the first place? Would you still buy a soda or a sports drink even if it was a bit more expensive?

We asked some of our readers and here's what they had to say:

Angela B.
A tax on smokes didn't curb it ... if people are addicted, they'll keep on using it. I don't think a tax on sugary drinks would change a thing!!! Junky foods are already way overpriced for the quality and nutrition you get, but yet people would still rather spend money on them than use it for something like fresh produce.

Sandi S.
I agree with Angela, and yet, people complain that eating healthy can be expensive!

Susan D.
Just another way for Uncle Sam to tax us to death and tell us how/what to eat. Either you want to eat healthy and take care of YOURSELF, or you don't.

Trish R.
Honestly, I would still buy soda even if the price went up. =/

Courtney B.
Junk foods are loaded with carbs so that you get full faster and stay full longer. I'm sure that's why the cost is being brought up. At the same time, we live in a free country and the government has no place to 'regulate' things that stem from freedom of choice. I think the tax is wrong, but yes, people will still buy sugary drinks.

Zena S.
Illinois already did a soda tax a couple years ago for other reasoning. Boo! Yes, I still drink my Mountain Dew. The extra cost didn't stop me.

Shelly L.
Anything not used/consumed in moderation is going to be bad. If one only eats carrots but eats far more than they burn off will still become unhealthy & obese. If we keep letting the government "regulate" what we can & can not have not only do we lose our freedom but also the ability to make choices & learn from the consequences whether they are good or bad consequences. Where is the line in what we allow to be chosen for us? Who decides how much we as citizens should be trusted?

Wendy V.
Would they use the tax to buy healthy fresh produce to share all around? Probably not, huh?