The government is to tax soft drink manufacturers who put large amounts of sugar in their products. The UK loves soft drinks. Altogether people got through 14.8 billion litres last year, or 232.9 litres each. In response to growing concern over obesity, Chancellor George Osborne is imposing a levy on soft drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml. There's a higher rate for those with more than 8g per 100ml. Fruit juice and milk-based drinks are exempt. The Office for Budgetary Responsibility suggests the levy will add 18p or 24p per litre, or about 6p or 8p to a standard 330ml can. The sugar tax will be levied from 2018, which the government says will give manufacturers time to change their products.
