Philadelphia soda tax approved by City Council committee

Philadelphia City Council gave its initial stamp of approval to a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages Wednesday night The levy, expected to face legal challenges from the beverage industry, would hit thousands of items including all sweetened beverages, whether sugar-based or diet That includes bottled or fountain sodas, teas, sports drinks, flavored waters, and energy drinks, among other products Exempt products include baby formula and beverages that are more than 50 percent fresh fruit, vegetables or milk Beverages for which customers add sweetener themselves, like coffee, are also exempt