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Six lessons from introducing sweetened beverage taxes in Berkeley, Cook County, and Philadelphia: A case study comparison in agenda setting and decision making

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  • Hagenaars, Luc L.
  • Jevdjevic, Milica
  • Jeurissen, Patrick P.T.
  • Klazinga, Niek S.

Abstract

Sweetened beverage (SB) taxes have recently been introduced to prevent obesity by several governments, but limited information on related policy adoption processes hampers further diffusion. We investigated the agenda-setting and decision-making phases of SB tax reforms in Berkeley and Philadelphia (where it was successfully adopted), and Cook County (where it was repealed). A web-based survey, semi structured stakeholder interviews, and a local media coverage analysis were used to collect information. Findings were structured and analyzed using the health policy triangle of Buse, Mays and Walt. Six general lessons emerged. First, the policy was coupled to existing high-agenda items (e.g., financing pre-kindergarten in Philadelphia). Second, policy framing had to align prevailing political sentiments, as expressed in media (e.g., ‘Berkeley vs. Big Soda’ echoed skepticism of corporate influence in politics). Third, existing tax policies and political decision-making rules were important (e.g., confusion how the SB tax related to state and federal taxes fueled Cook County opposition). Fourth, the tax structure required technical and political considerations during policy formulation (e.g., artificially-sweetened beverages were included in Philadelphia to counteract arguments that the tax was regressive). Fifth, it was important to build an advocacy coalition upfront (e.g., the Berkeley coalition was constructed prior to announcing the attempt). Sixth, successful advocacy coalitions were locally grounded and influenced local media (e.g., the Cook County opposition engaged local retailers).

Suggested Citation

  • Hagenaars, Luc L. & Jevdjevic, Milica & Jeurissen, Patrick P.T. & Klazinga, Niek S., 2020. "Six lessons from introducing sweetened beverage taxes in Berkeley, Cook County, and Philadelphia: A case study comparison in agenda setting and decision making," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(9), pages 932-942.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:124:y:2020:i:9:p:932-942
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.06.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jou, J. & Niederdeppe, J. & Barry, C.L. & Gollust, S.E., 2014. "Strategic messaging to promote taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages: Lessons from recent political campaigns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(5), pages 847-853.
    2. Samantha L. Mosier, 2013. "Cookies, Candy, and Coke: Examining State Sugar-Sweetened-Beverage Tax Policy from a Multiple Streams Approach," International Review of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(1), pages 93-120, April.
    3. Hagenaars, Luc Louis & Jeurissen, Patrick Paulus Theodoor & Klazinga, Niek Sieds, 2017. "The taxation of unhealthy energy-dense foods (EDFs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs): An overview of patterns observed in the policy content and policy context of 13 case studies," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(8), pages 887-894.
    4. Paarlberg, Robert & Mozaffarian, Dariush & Micha, Renata, 2017. "Viewpoint: Can U.S. local soda taxes continue to spread?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 1-7.
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