What We Know About The Alabama Soda Tax

Alabama lawmakers meet Aug. 3 to discuss ways in which to fill a large budget gap of $200 million, The Anniston Star reports. Among the proposals to fill the gap is a statewide tax increase on sodas. The source put together a list of things known about the soda tax so far, here are the most relevant:

1. Consumers would pay a nickel per can more for soda. The proposal would apply a 53 cent tax on every gallon of soft drinks sold or 5 cents for 12 ounces.
2. More than sodas are taxed. Energy drinks and sports drinks are also included in this tax.
3. Consumers already pay tax on sodas. Alabama charges sales tax on food, and every soda sold comes with a 4 percent sales tax, the source reports.
4. Officials have said that tax would raise $182 million.

Vending operators with concerns about this proposal should contact NAMA’s Sheree Edwards at [email protected] to assist and receive updates.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.