Watch CBS News

The Bills For The Soda Tax Are In; What Each Group Spent In Fighting And Advocating

CITY HALL (CBS) -- The American Beverage Association outspent soda tax supporters by four-to-one, in the bruising battle to stop the tax from passing Philadelphia City Council, a battle it lost. In addition,  the two sides spent some 13-Million dollars trying to effect the outcome of the vote.

ALSO READ: Local Consumer Behavior Experts Weigh In On Soda Tax

Lobbying expense reports released by the City Ethics Board, today, show the American Beverage Association, who was the sponsor of the 'No Philly Grocery Tax' effort, spent 10.6 million dollars trying to turn council and public opinion against the tax. While 'Philadelphians for a Fair Future,' the pro-soda tax coalition, spent two-and-a-half-Million.

'No Philly Grocery Tax' spokesman Anthony Campisi said he believes they had some success.

"Nearly 60 percent of Philadelphians opposed it, and nearly 30,000 Philadelphians and 1600 local businesses joined our coalition to stop it."

Both groups spent most of their money on advertising, but the beverage industry spent 70-thousand directly lobbying council members. The mayor's spokesperson said the lopsided spending "makes the victory that much more significant."

The tax passed by a vote of 13 to 4.

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.