What some folks are saying about the soda tax

Inquirer staff writer Elisa Lala spoke with customers and employees at the Sav-A-Lot in Port Richmond about Mayor Nutter's proposal to impose a two cents per ounce tax on sugary drinks. Here's how they reacted:

Reading said he tries to stay away from sweets - including soda - for health reasons but the tax would not prevent him from ever buying sugary drinks.

Owens said she drinks soda and energy drinks. She said the city should think of other ways to raise money instead of taxing sugary beverages.

Weber said even the "no-name brands" which are less expensive and purchased by some low-income households will be affected and that will impact shopping decisions.

Weber's suggestion for Mayor Nutter: "Why doesn't the city just tax sugar?"

"I understand the city wants its people to be healthier and it's trying to dictate that by taxing soda, and maybe there is something to that. But, I think they should approach healthier lifestyles through education, the government shouldn't dictate what people eat."

Dura's suggestion for Mayor Nutter: Tax coffee (the caffeine) as well.

"People should choose what they want to eat. It shouldn't be up to the government. They should tax something other than food."