Gov. Ducey Signs Legislation Preventing Arizona Sugar Tax

By Austin Westfall
Published: Friday, March 16, 2018 - 6:38pm
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Arizona cities will not be able to follow Seattle and Philadelphia, which have imposed taxes designed to reduce consumption of sugary drinks.

Gov. Doug Ducey has signed legislation barring Arizona cities and counties from joining a growing national trend of taxing drinks with added sugar. The legislation was signed by the governor late last week without comment.

The bill doesn't specifically mention taxes on sugary drinks, only saying any tax on food products must be uniform.

But testimony from a supermarket industry lobbyist made it clear that's what the law targets.

There is no sign that any Arizona city or county is currently considering taxing soda and other sugary drinks.

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