Philadelphia passed a soda tax last June, becoming the first big U.S. city to approve such a measure. So it should have come as no surprise when the resulting tax of 1.5¢ per ounce of sugary beverage went into effect at the start of 2017. Click here for more information.

Philadelphia's 1.5-cent-per-ounce sweetened-beverage tax is now in effect, jacking up prices in stores across the city to the outrage of some thirsty customers. Click here for more information.

Letter to editor - I understand that obesity is a serious health issue. There are many contributing factors as to why 70.4 percent of Americans are overweight. But I don't believe that a government enforced tax on soda and sugary drinks is the best way to address this problem. This tax is very punitive. According to Amazon, the price per can of Coke Classic rises from 39 cents to 57 cents. That is a 44 percent increase. Click here for more information.