Board votes to put 2-cent-per-ounce sugary beverage tax on November ballot after hours of debate

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 6–4 on July 22 to place a proposed 2¢ per ounce tax on the distribution of sugar‑sweetened beverages on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Supporters said the tax — which would be assessed on distributors, not retailers, and would exempt 100% fruit juice, milk, baby formula and medical foods — could both reduce consumption and generate up to an estimated $50 million a year for nutrition, physical activity and school programs. Supervisor Eric Mar, the chief sponsor, said the measure was aimed at “the health of our families, communities, and neighborhoods” and noted studies estimating a large local fiscal and health burden from sugary drinks.

Opponents raised equity concerns, calling the tax regressive and urging more emphasis on education and subsidized alternatives. Several supervisors who opposed the motion said they supported the goal of reducing sugary‑drink consumption but questioned whether a city tax was the…