Leekbrookgull
Well-known member
I am not really into the weight argument by reducing sugar in soft drinks,just not a big fan of sugar. So bring it on.
I think it's just another example of pressure groups hectoring the general public. "Let's tax alcohol, lets tax sugar, lets tax trans-fats"
Fair enough none of them are actually good for you in large quantities, but here's a novel idea- why not let people actually think for themselves? Yes, more public awareness by all means, but by punitively taxing the shit out of stuff all it does is make the cost of living higher. Where does anyone realistically believe that tax will go, because it sure as shit won't go towards healthcare?
I think it's just another example of pressure groups hectoring the general public. "Let's tax alcohol, lets tax sugar, lets tax trans-fats"
Fair enough none of them are actually good for you in large quantities, but here's a novel idea- why not let people actually think for themselves? Yes, more public awareness by all means, but by punitively taxing the shit out of stuff all it does is make the cost of living higher. Where does anyone realistically believe that tax will go, because it sure as shit won't go towards healthcare?
I started off disagreeing with this post, but find myself sort of agreeing with you. Ultimately, we have no control on how our taxes our spent. There is no point even pretending this money is going to be ring-fenced for healthcare, as that isn't even practical.
For me, it all comes down to how you want the nation to be taxed, and I'm afraid this is ultimately a tax on the poor and ill-educated.
Yes, more public awareness by all means, but by punitively taxing the shit out of stuff all it does is make the cost of living higher. Where does anyone realistically believe that tax will go, because it sure as shit won't go towards healthcare?
I think society has got to the point where everybody knows the dangers of these two. That said, I can't help but think cigarettes are now overtaxed. It's a generalisation but I think tobacco tax is a heavy burden on a lot of people for whom cigs are their main pleasure in life.May as well stop taxing booze and fags as well then. Maybe it will help prevent the 'poor and ill-educated' buying coca-cola?
or ketchup or Bread?Will they be taxing fruit juice as well then
I think society has got to the point where everybody knows the dangers of these two. That said, I can't help but think cigarettes are now overtaxed. It's a generalisation but I think tobacco tax is a heavy burden on a lot of people for whom cigs are their main pleasure in life.
The problem with sugar is that a lot of people just don't realise the extent to which it is dumped into cheap food. Even cornflakes for example, are dreadful - obviously I know you so I know this won't come as a surprise to you, but the sugar (and salt) content is absurd.
Its good in that it will highlight all the savoury foods companies are stuffing sugar into.
Examples are pasta sauces, bread, colslaw. Its one of the reasons I started cooking from scratch a few years ago.
I think you are slightly missing the point, if you tax the product the producer of that product will reduce the sugar and make more drinks available with less sugar. Its not just about getting 20p off some little kid off a council estate
totally agree we have no idea how much sugar is in most products. I really like the idea of showing t-spoons on the side of tins and cans. It won't be easy but it can and should be done