Thow AM, Rippin HL, Mulcahy G, Duffey K, Wickramasinghe K. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Europe: learning for the future.
Eur J Public Health 2022;
32:273-280. [PMID:
35218361 PMCID:
PMC8975536 DOI:
10.1093/eurpub/ckab211]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are recommended globally as part of measures to prevent diet-related NCDs. However, their uptake in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has been limited. The aim of this study was to inform strategic, cross-sectoral, public health policy engagement to support the uptake and effective implementation of SSB taxation.
Methods
We conducted a policy analysis of SSB taxes in the WHO European Region, drawing on theories of policy making and diffusion of innovation. Data were collected from policy documents and media, secondary contextual sources and qualitative interview data (n = 20) to analyze factors influencing the adoption of taxes in 10 countries.
Results
Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Monaco, Norway, Portugal and the UK had current SSB taxes, but Monaco was excluded from the findings due to its unique taxation context. All countries were characterized by policy priority for NCD prevention, and in many there was a fiscal imperative to raise revenue. The taxes took the form of excises or levies, and the tax base and rate varied between countries. SSB taxation was fostered by constructive engagement between health and fiscal policy makers, but also influenced by external industry and public health stakeholders. Policy learning from national and international experience was evident in all countries.
Conclusions
This study points to the value of ongoing policy learning for improving tax design, and the importance of constructive collaboration between finance and health policy makers. It also suggests regional bodies could play a greater role in supporting SSB taxation.
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