California stores would be prohibited from selling "Big Gulp"-style soft drinks and consumers would face taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages under bills announced by state lawmakers to address a state "public health crisis".
The proposals include a ban on the sale of unsealed "sugar-sweetened beverage" portions larger than 450g at food-service businesses, including restaurants with self-service fountains.
"Big Soda has profited off life-threatening disease and suffering for too long," said Democratic Assemblyman David Chiu of San Francisco.
Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica said the "beverage fee" he proposed for the third year in a row would help offset the cost to the health care system of sugar-related problems including diabetes.
The soda industry has successfully fought past efforts to adopt a state tax.
"We have ignored this crisis for too long," Bloom said. "We are standing on the edge of a cliff and addressing this health crisis requires a multi-pronged approach like the one you see today."
Bloom has not yet decided the size of the fee, but noted that past proposals he has supported would have set a two-cents-per-fluid-ounce tax.
The American Beverage Association has fought efforts by cities to create levies on sodas and says it has taken steps to reduce sugar in the American diet.
Australian Associated Press
