Philadelphia has become the first major American city to impose a soda tax, despite heavy lobbying from the beverage industry.

 

Out of 30 other cities and states where a soda tax had been proposed, so far only Berkeley California had approved it. The tax had been proposed before in Philadelphia and was turned down.

Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney plans to spend the nearly $90 million in tax revenues to pay for pre-kindergarten, community schools, and recreation centers.

Philadelphia city council gave final approval in a 13 to 4 vote today on the 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax on sugary and diet beverages.

The soda industry is expected to sue.