Seattle collects over $10M in first 6 months of soda tax

SEATTLE — Seattle has accumulated more than $10 million in the first six months of its tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

The Seattle Times reports as of Tuesday, the city’s Finance and Administrative Services department had received $5.8 million in second-quarter payments.

Department spokeswoman Cyndi Wilder says together with $4.7 million in first-quarter payments, the tax has raised $10.5 million to date.

Before the tax began, officials estimated it would raise $14.8 million in 2018.

Officials haven’t said why it may be raising more money than expected and whether the collection results indicate the tax may be failing to steer consumers away from sugary drinks.

The 1.75 cent-tax per fluid ounce on the distribution of sweetened beverages such as Pepsi and Coke, sports drinks, energy drinks and other drinks took effect Jan. 1. The tax excludes diet sodas.

The City Council passed the tax last year.