Measure Z: No sign of a 'Soda War' as Berkeley votes to extend tax on sugary drinks

"The campaign to pass Berkeley's first-in-the-nation tax on sugar-sweetened drinks a decade ago was a $3.4 million slugfest that pitted the soda industry against health groups, city officials and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg."

"But this year's campaign couldn't be more different. The soda industry has stayed on the sidelines; there is no organized opposition to Measure Z, and no one even bothered to submit an argument against it to the local voter guide."

"Measure Z can pass with support from a simple majority of voters. The tax, paid by beverage distributors, charges 1 cent per fluid ounce for certain sweetened drinks."

Read at www.berkeleyside.org