Taxing Sugar Not the Answer

Taxing Sugar Not the Answer

15 JANUARY 2015

Responding to the NZ Herald reporting on an opinion survey commissioned by the Southern Cross Health Society which had 39 percent of respondents supporting a tax on sugary drinks, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Ben Craven says:

“No one doubts that for many, cutting their sugar intake would have health benefits. But the economic evidence is that these sorts of taxes fail, particularly with those who are already over-consuming.”

"Taxing the Kiwi tradition of a warm pie and can of cola won’t reduce obesity. The overseas experience, particularly Denmark's now abandoned ’fat tax’, shows that these sorts of taxes just lead to compensatory purchasing and brand switching."

“We don’t doubt that those promoting a tax on sugar are well meaning, but the focus of any public policy decision should be on the outcome, not just the intention.”

“Look at fat. Go down to your local café or sushi bar and compare the menu to that of 20 years ago. Societal preferences and increased awareness of healthy lifestyles impact demand far more than a tax on soda could."

ENDS

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