MEDIA RELEASE

Government Avoids Sugar Tax Mistake

MONDAY 19 OCTOBER 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming today’s announcement that the Government does not intend to introduce new taxes on soda or sugar, labelling it a breath of common sense following months of taxpayer funded lobbying and misleading information in the media on Mexico’s sugar tax.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“There has been a very active campaign, especially from Auckland and Otago Universities, who have been claiming that Mexican style food taxes will reduce consumption. What campaigners rely on is survey data from Mexican consumers who have told researchers that their sugary drink purchases have decreased since the introduction of the taxes. In reality, the Nielsen sales data – which is actual sales – shows that the Mexican sugar tax did not impact on sales volumes. It effect it is a nice earner for politicians for no gain.”

“We’re all for measures such as the ones announced today to curb obesity. What we’re against is measures that raise revenue for politicians and public health campaigners, cost the poor, and do little if anything to curb the problems with those over-consuming."

The Taxpayers’ Union report on sugar taxes Fizzed out: why a sugar tax won't curb obesity is available for download at http://taxpayers.org.nz/fizzed_out

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