Did you know that Seattle, in its infinite PC wisdom, passed an onerous soda-tax, effective January 1, that makes it extremely expensive to buy Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Dr. Pepper, Gatorade, or any other beverage made with sugar?
These geniuses – like the ones who tried it in Chicago – think their attempt at social engineering will make everyone healthier…and maybe force soda companies to restrict their beverage output to only the healthiest of drinks (not one job lost, you see – all those erstwhile soda drinkers will come running, credit cards in hand).
Well, that’s not the way the real world works. Or thinks. Or drinks.
And one retailer (that I know of -maybe more as well) has decided to call them out on it.
These signs can now be found in Seattle’s Costco stores:
Brilliant. Every time irate customers pass these signs they will be reminded of who to be irate at.
Oh, and the intended result?
Well, people who like sugary drinks now have a reason to travel out of Seattle to get them…and, while there, to do the rest of their shopping at the same store as well. Net result: same level of consumption, but loss of business for Seattle stores and loss of tax revenue for the city.
And people who like sugary drinks but don’t have the means to travel out of Seattle to get them? A huge, oppressive tax on those least able to afford it.
Great going, guys.
Oh, by the way: that identically conceived/passed Chicago soda tax? It infuriated residents, cratered Chicago supermarket sales – especially supermarkets anywhere near other states without the tax – and was repealed in just two months.
My guess is Seattle’s will last a bit longer (these people do NOT like to be shown they are wrong)…but will be gone well before the year is out.
On the soda front I saw an ad about this neat machine the other day.
Pursuit of the Perfectly Slushy Coca-Cola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDAoH1QYz_8
It looks really cool [frozen actually]. 😉