Beer would be healthier.
But, but, but ... our intentions were good! The social engineers said that it would work this time! Who knew that purchasing decisions would be based on a short trip outside the city limits!
FYI: Philadelphia City government has been solidly ‘D’ since the 1930s!
“So they buy beer instead! “
particularly since it’s now cheaper than soda in Philly ...
What really happens.
Folks in Philly drive or take a bus a few miles to suburbia (Philly is not really that big a city and you can escape in just a few miles).
They buy their soda in the suburbs. In bulk. They buy much more than they would normally buy (and thus drink lots more) because why make an extra trip. They also do their regular food shopping while they are there in suburbia too.
So to summarize the Philly Soda Tax:
People in Philly buy more soda (just in the suburbs)
People in Philly drink more soda (cause there is more in the house now)
People in Philly buy more of their food in the suburbs (why not? I am here anyways and the place is nicer)
Philly stores lose customers
Philly stores close
Philly has more and more food deserts
And all in all, the City of Philadelphia actually collect less taxes. And the health of their citizens goes down...
I did. . . It was obvious.