UK Sugar Tax Faces Criticism from Consumers's Organizations

The Sun reports that the UK sugar tax, set to enter into force in April 2018, is facing rising opposition which questions both its merits and its design.

Taxpayers Alliance is criticizing the Government for the introduction of a regressive tax that will raise the cost of living for those less well-off families that endure a daily struggle against tax bills. Drawing from the Mexican precedent the citizens’ association calls out the ineffectiveness of such a measure: in 2014 Mexico introduced a tax on fizzy drinks which led to a reduction in daily consumption of some mere 5 calories, as much as five percent of a slice of wholemeal bread.

Taxpayers Alliance chief Jonathan Isaby said: “It is astonishing that the government is pressing ahead with this pernicious tax when the evidence clearly suggests that it will simply not affect consumption in any meaningful way.”

The Alliance accuses UK’s Councellor George Osborne of pursuing Nanny State policies and demands for the initiative to be revoked.

Lawyers consulted on the matter argue that the tax might be blocked by European courts on discriminatory grounds – given the high sugar drinks such as milk-based and coffee-based beverages are exempt from the duty.

You may find the full article by Steve Hawkes on The Sun website.