Berkeley Measure Z Seeks To Extend Sugary Drink Tax Indefinitely

BERKELEY, CA — Among the dozen local measures appearing on Berkeley ballots this election season is Measure Z, which seeks to indefinitely extend the city's tax on sugary drinks and sweeteners.

Berkeley's Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, which voters approved in 2014, adds 1 cent per fluid ounce to the cost of most sugar-sweetened drinks, with exceptions for small retailers, natural fruit and vegetable juice, milk products, juice, baby formula, diet drinks and alcohol. According to the city, the tax generates $1.15 million in annual revenue for the general fund.

The Berkeley City Council placed Measure Z on the November ballot seeking to remove the expiration date and keep the tax in place indefinitely unless voters choose to modify or repeal it at a later date. A "no" vote would keep the original Jan. 1, 2027, expiration intact.

Berkeley City Councilmember Sophie Hahn is among the signees who authored the formal argument in favor of the measure, arguing consumption of sugary drinks has declined, water consumption has gone up and obesity rates have dipped among Berkeley kids since the tax took effect in 2014.

"Sugary drinks are proven risk factors for many health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, and some cancers," the argument reads in part. "Almost 50% of African American and Latino children are predicted to get diabetes in their lifetimes."

In addition to the health impacts, proponents of the tax said its revenue helped pay for gardening teachers in all 17 schools and supported tens of thousands of health and dental screenings for low-income residents.

The tax passed with more than 75 percent of the vote in 2014 and Measure Z requires a simple majority to pass.

Voters can learn more about all 12 ballot measures on the City of Berkeley website.