Soda tax takes down Philly grocery store?

A west Philadelphia grocery store is getting ready to close shop, and the owner is blaming the cities controversial soda tax, according to ABC Action 6 news.

According to ABC Action 6 news, there were tearful hugs on Jan. 2, as customers and employees of the ShopRite store at 6710 Haverford Avenue absorbed the news.

With its supply of fresh food, the ShopRite is called an oasis in an area that some call a "food desert."

"It's like a family, it's like part of our family is dying," said customer Mary Miles, according to ABC Action 6 news.

The store's owner pulled no punches in blaming the tax on sweetened beverages that tacks on one-and-a-half cents per ounce on sugary drinks.

Jeff Brown says those who can drive go to nearby Delaware County to shop. Meanwhile, revenue is off at this store by more than 20 percent.

"So the customers have a lot of choices outside the city where they can avoid this tax," Brown said. "They voted with their feet."

Some question if the tax is the sole reason for closing.

Others figure it is, and wonder if city politicians should reexamine that tax.

"We have to put things on a scale, weigh the good and the bad, and I think this bad outweighs the good," said customer Darryl Hansbury.

In a statement, Mayor Jim Kenney - a proponent of the tax - said Brown is making the tax a scapegoat, according to ABC Action 6 news.

The city cites an ongoing university study, saying it "finds the beverage tax has not affected overall store sales, contrary to other public claims by this supermarket chain."

To read the full ABC Action 6 news article, click here.