Open AccessWhat young Australians think about a tax on sugar‐sweetened beverages
Author(s) -
Richardson Tom E.,
Yanada Brendan A.,
Watters David,
Stupart Douglas,
Lamichhane Prabhat,
Bell Colin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.12858
Subject(s) - sugar , food science , environmental health , medicine , chemistry
Abstract Objective : To determine support for a tax on sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) among young Australian adults and the potential impact on SSB consumption if a tax is introduced. Methods : Cross‐sectional convenience survey of Australians aged 18–30 years sampled in the City of Greater Geelong, Australia, in November–December 2017. Results : A total of 1,793 responses were recorded. Overall, 48% supported a tax on SSBs, which increased to 74% and 72% if tax revenue was allocated to subsidising fruit and vegetables or funding community exercise facilities, respectively. If a tax of $0.40/100g of sugar were introduced, 53% of participants would reduce their SSB consumption and most of this group (63%) reported that they would consume more water instead. Participants who consumed SSBs more frequently were less likely to support a tax or reduce their consumption. Gender, obesity and SES were not associated with support for a tax. Conclusions : Most young adults supported the idea of a tax on SSBs if tax revenue would be used to support healthy eating or physical activity. If a tax was introduced, most indicated that they would reduce their SSB consumption and substitute water for SSBs. Implications for public health : Policymakers can expect support from young people should an SSB tax be introduced in Australia.