Philadelphia hits soft-drink industry with historic tax

New York

THE City of Brotherly Love is straining its relationship with Big Soda.

Philadelphia on Thursday became the first major US city to pass a tax on soft drinks, dealing a significant blow to an industry increasingly facing a consumer backlash over health concerns. In a 13-4 vote met with cheers and applause, the City Council approved a plan to add a 1.5 US cents-per-ounce (30 ml) tax on soft drinks containing added sugar or artificial sweeteners.