Berkeley residents to vote on soda tax in November

By Jennifer Chaussee BERKELEY Calif. (Reuters) – A California college town known for its liberal activism will vote in November on whether to place a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages, touching off the latest obesity-fighting campaign in the United States. Berkeley City Council voted unanimously to add the measure in the form of a referendum on the city's ballot, drawing cheers of support from residents and health advocates, and vows to fight from the U.S. food and beverage industry. "When we pass this measure in November, Berkeley will be the first in the country where such a measure has been passed," said Vicki Alexander, a co-chairwoman of a local campaign to put the measure on the ballot. "We are very excited to see that day happen." Public health advocates across the country have clamored for ways to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and junk food, but lawmakers and voters have generally opposed enacting taxes or other regulations.