## Step 2 - Reading

Sugary drinks

You are going to read two texts about sugary drinks.

- Read the texts.
- While reading, think about the following question: Would you be for or against these measures? Why?

New York City bans the sale of supersize fizzy drinks New York City has become the first place in the United States to ban the sale of supersize sugary drinks. The new law will make it illegal to sell fizzy drinks in cups bigger than half a litre. The former city's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, wanted to bring in the ban to tackle obesity but lots of people aren't happy about it. One New York business owner said: "We are smart enough to make our own decisions about what to eat and drink." Groups who are against the new law say they'll continue to fight against it being introduced. Diet drinks and fruit juices aren't included in the ban so can still be sold in bigger sizes. Restaurants who break the rules could be fined up to £120.

Sugar tax revenue helps tackle childhood obesity The Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) was introduced in the UK in April 2018 and applies to the manufacture and importation of soft drinks containing added sugar. It was introduced as part of the government’s initiative to tackle childhood obesity by encouraging manufacturers to reduce the sugar content in their drinks products. The UK has one of the highest obesity rates among developed countries and soft drinks are still the biggest source of sugar in children’s diets. Revenue collected from the levy will help fund physical education activities in primary schools, the Healthy Pupils Capital Fund and provide a funding boost for breakfast clubs in over 1,700 schools. Manufacturers had two years to prepare ahead of the introduction of SDIL. While many manufacturers reduced the sugar content in their drinks products, over 450 traders have registered to pay the levy. There are two rates of tax, depending on the sugar content: the ‘standard rate’ (18p per litre) applies to drinks with sugar content between 5 grams and up to (but not including) 8 grams per 100ml the ‘higher rate’ (24p per litre) applies to drinks with sugar content equal to or greater than 8 grams per 100ml [Bron: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sugar-tax-revenue-helps-tackle-childhood-obesity]

Do the exercises.