Watch CBS News

Newly-Enacted Sugary Drink Tax Forces Berkeley Dollar Stores To Replace Soda With Water

BERKELEY (CBS SF) – Less than three months after Berkeley voters approved a tax on sugary drinks, two 'dollar' stores have pulled sodas off store shelves.

According to Berkeleyside, the Dollar Tree stores on Shattuck Avenue and San Pablo Avenue removed the soft drinks after Measure D went into effect at the start of the year.

"Due to the increased cost from the Berkeley sugary drinks and soda tax, we are no longer able to carry sugary drinks and soda at the one-dollar price point," said Randy Guiler, Dollar Tree Vice President of Investor Relations told Berkeleyside.

Berkeley became the first in the country to approve a sugary drink tax when voters approved Measure D last November with 75 percent of the vote. The measure places a one cent per ounce tax on sodas. Opponents, including the American Beverage Association, spent millions in their attempt to defeat Measure D.

Shoppers can still buy fruit juice at the stores, which are not subject to the tax.

Voters in San Francisco and Richmond have rejected soda taxes.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.