Soda Tax Passes In Chicagoland

CHICAGO -- Cook County's commissioners have passed a penny-per-fluid-ounce tax on beverages in the Chicagoland area. The levy applies to sports and juice drinks, teas and sodas. The controversial measure passed by a narrow 9-8 margin.

The National Automatic Merchandising Association, the Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council and other beverage industry stakeholders opposed the proposal. IAMC testified at hearings across the county over the past several week, urging the commissioners to consider the impact that the tax will have on businesses, including reduced sales and increased operating costs.

NAMA said it will monitor the tax's implementation in the weeks ahead. Members can email questions to NAMA legislative director Sheree Edwards at sedwards@namanow.org.