Tax on Soda, Relocating Fast Food Joints, all in the name of Prevention

I’ve been seeing on some news stations and on the internet lately about the idea of putting a tax on soda and other added sugar drinks.  The idea of this is to cut back on obesity problems and ultimately be a good prevention of diabetes.  I think this is a great idea.  Probably because I don’t drink any sugar drinks, except for orange juice, so I won’t be affected by the tax.  Amanda doesn’t really drink things with sugar in them either because we usually share drinks, so she gets something diabetic friendly.  Now people will think twice before purchasing a regular soda compared to a diet or sugar-free beverage.  Diabetes prevention programs like this can save millions in healthcare costs.

I’ve also seen some articles being written about the relocation of fast food joints and zoning regulations going up for new fast food places.  The idea is simple, keep fast food restaraunts away from schools and little league ball fields.  This again sounds like a great idea to get kids to stay away from fast food and opt for healthier options.  This doesn’t sound too good for the “soccer mom/dad” that may want to just pick up a quick bite to eat before or after a baseball game, or swing through the drive-thru after school in order to get to a parent/teacher conference.  There can still be a quick stop place, but let it be a healthier option, not a greasy burger and fries.  How bout a grilled chicken wrap with some fresh veggies on it, that can be quick and eaten in the car as well.

Obviously there are some big financial implications that this can cause.  It will take a lot of lobbying and local government hours to get these zoning policies passed.  But in the long run, it will be beneficial to all.  The amount of money that beverage companies MAY, and I stress may, lose will be made up in lower healthcare costs.  I don’t think that the berage companies would lose much money in the first place.  All major brands have a diet version of their drinks or at least a reduced sugar version that can be easily substituted for.

What are your thoughts on this, good idea, bad idea, don’t really care?

Thanks.

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