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Philadelphia's new sugar tax nets $6.4m in first month

The 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened and diet soft drinks funds pre-kindergarten and community schools
The 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened and diet soft drinks funds pre-kindergarten and community schools The 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened and diet soft drinks funds pre-kindergarten and community schools

PHILADELPHIA'S new tax on sweetened drinks has exceeded expectations, bringing in $6.4 million (£5.1m) in just one month.

Figures released by the US city's department of revenue show the so-called "soda tax" brought in more than the expected $5.9 million (£4.7m) expected for the month of February.

The 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened and diet soft drinks funds pre-kindergarten and community schools.

It will also help pay for renovation work on recreation centres, libraries and parks.

The tax generated $5.9m in January, more than double the predicted total of $2.3m (£1.8m).

The tax is imposed at the distributor level. If fully passed onto the consumer, it amounts to $1.44 (£1.15) on a six-pack of 16-ounce bottles.

Pepsi is pulling its two-litre bottles and 12-packs from Philadelphia stores to offer products and sizes which working families can better afford.