French 'Cola Tax' Starts Next Week

Tax on soda will help state coffers, rising obesity
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 30, 2011 12:16 PM CST
French 'Cola Tax' Starts Next Week
Packs of Coca-Cola are pictured in a caddie at a supermarket on December 29, 2011 in Neuilly-sur-Marne, outside Paris.   (Getty Images)

Two things in France keep getting bigger: the deficit and the nation's waistline. To fight both simultaneously, a new "cola tax" will go into effect on New Year's Day, reports Der Spiegel. The tax will be a little more than a penny per can on Coke and other soft drinks, and industry insiders warn the move could eventually result in a 35% increase in prices. The government expects the tax to bring in $156 million in extra revenue. Denmark and Hungary have launched similar "fat taxes" on a wider range of products. (Read more France stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X