Sugary Drink Tax as a Public Health Policy

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Sugary Drink Tax as a Public Health Policy

Table of Contents

Making the Case for the Policy
Possible Arguments Against the Policy
Getting Buy-In and Involved Groups
Conclusion
References

Many groups and individuals are involved in the process of policymaking, and various methods to develop and implement policies exist. Researchers have come up with several models of policymaking that can guide practitioners in this process. According to Longests policy cycle model, for instance, the process of policymaking is divided into such phases as formulation, implementation, and modification (Longest, 2015).

It is noteworthy that the primary stage is characterized by the interaction of different groups as well as the establishment of the agenda. The process of policy formulation is mainly affected by existing issues, possible solutions, and political circumstances (Longest, 2015). Policymakers play a major role in the phases of implementation and modification, but the formulation stage implies the active participation of different stakeholders. The initiation of the tax on sugary drinks in a community can be a good illustration of the case. This paper concentrates on the initial stage and the part played by a nursing professional in the process.

Making the Case for the Policy

The debate on the tax and the harm of such beverages has been lasting for years. To persuade people to get involved in the process and force policymakers to develop the corresponding regulation, it is essential to address several topics. First, it is essential to remind the public of the rate of people living in the community and diagnosed with diabetes or obesity. The focus can be on children and their interest in soda rather than healthier drinks. It is also necessary to make the public aware of the outcomes of the tax that are already visible in other places. Sifferlin (2017) reports that the consumption of the taxed beverages decreased by almost 10% in Berkeley in 2017.

Possible Arguments Against the Policy

One of the major arguments against the introduction of the tax will be the losses retailers and producers will have to face. Many owners of grocery stores in the communities where the tax is already in place stress that they have smaller sales, which affects their business (Sifferlin, 2017). In addition, people can oppose the tax due to their preferences stating that they have the right to consume any products, and imposing taxes is simply unfair or even unconstitutional. Some may claim that the outcomes can hardly be evaluated properly as the tax is working (in some states) for three years or less. Opponents may stress that this period is not sufficient for making any conclusions on the benefits and harms of a policy.

Getting Buy-In and Involved Groups

When addressing these arguments, it can be effective to stress that the money from the tax will be allocated to fund various public health projects. It is also possible to add that retailers can simply replace sugared drinks with healthier products that are popular among the residents of the community. The primary groups that can be involved in the process of initiating the policy can be public health nurses, NGOs, educators, and individual residents who care.

Conclusion

To sum up, the formulation of a policy is the process that implies the interaction of different groups. One of the most important parts of the process is associated with making people feel that the issue is urgent enough and the policy is the most appropriate solution. It is also essential to ensure the consideration of different groups interests to make the policy accepted in the community.

References

Longest, B. B. (2015). Health policymaking in the United States (6th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.

Sifferlin, A. (2017). Do soda taxes really work? Time. Web.

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