Supes Consider Soda Tax In San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- San Francisco officials were talking again about trying to improve residents' health and raise money for government coffers by taxing soda and other sweetened drinks.

Four city lawmakers announced Saturday that they are introducing legislation that would impose a 2 cent-per-ounce tax on soft, sports and energy drinks. If passed by the full 11-member Board of Supervisors, the measure would go before local voters for approval or rejection in November.

The tax would be levied on beverage distributors and retailers who obtain their products directly from manufacturers. Officials estimate it could generate as much as $31 million a year.

Under the proposal set to be introduced Tuesday, the money would have to be used to fund recreation and nutrition programs in schools and at recreation centers, public drinking and bottle-filling fountains, healthy food services and dental health initiatives.