Alliance For An Affordable DC Statement Against SSB Tax

From: Afford DC, March 30, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, the Alliance for an Affordable DC, a coalition of 400+ small businesses owners, neighborhood organizations, and community leaders, issued the following statement in response to Councilmember Brianne Nadeau’s proposed sugar-sweetened beverage tax legislation:

“The cost of living in DC is already high. After an incredibly challenging year, a tax like this will only make it harder for small businesses and local restaurants that still have not found their economic footing as we hopefully transition toward the end of the pandemic. This tax will also place a greater financial burden on District residents who can least afford it.

“Speaking for many small businesses across the city, the DC Council’s bill, if enacted, will directly hurt local shop owners, their employees, and working families who have already been struggling to make ends meet throughout the pandemic. 

“Interestingly, the legislation doesn’t tax sweetened coffee drinks at the big coffee chains whose customers can afford to spend $5.00 a day for coffee drinks. That means working families who purchase everyday beverages at their grocery stores or corner markets will be taxed but those who can afford expensive mochas and lattes won’t be.

“The Alliance for an Affordable DC and our over 400 local members strongly oppose this legislation. We urge the DC Council to do the right thing and reject this tax that will only hurt the people they purportedly want to help.”