HAZLETON -- Philadelphia could soon become the first major U.S. city with a sugary drinks tax. City council is expected to vote on the proposal Thursday night.
The soda tax would set a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on sugary and diet drinks.
In Philly on Thursday there were protests for and against the tax.
In the greater Hazleton area, we found some with strong feelings.
"What retailers tell us is they're going to be forced to pass this tax on to consumers, and that this will raise taxes on thousands of items," said Anthony Campisi, Philadelphians Against Grocery Tax.
The possible ripple effect of this soda tax spreading across the state has soda lovers we talked to in Hazleton concerned.
"They're crazy. I love soda and so does my kids. If they do that, Then I guess I quit drinking soda," said Danielle Whitenight.
That's exactly what soda companies fear but exactly what some say should happen.
"I think it's a great idea," said Kristopher Hoglund. "I mean soda is causing a lot of harm to many Americans' health with obesity and all that. If you tax it, it's going to make people not do it as much."
The proposed 1.5 cent tax in Philadelphia would help pay for universal Pre-K and also help with debt in the city.
While some would like to see a soda tax, to help struggling cities local officials around here say it's too early to talk about that.
All of them are admitting though, their eyes are on Philly and what ends up happening there.
