C-store retailers have begun considering how they will respond to the soft drinks levy, after ministers announced that the tax will be introduced in April 2018.

The government confirmed last week that the levy would see drinks containing 5g of sugar per 100ml face a lower rate of tax, while those with more than 8g per 100ml will face a higher rate.

Arjan Mehr, owner of a Londis store in Bracknell, Berkshire, said he would not merchandise differently and be “dictated to by the health lobby”.

“I will continue to let my customers decide what products they want to buy and we will continue to stock them. Make no mistake, this is just the start; confectionery is next and I predict that the government will continue to tax products that are high in sugar,” he added.

“I reject the government’s claims that this is for the good of consumer health, I think it is just another way to extract money from people and pass on another tax to small businesses and there is a real danger that we are just becoming tax collectors for the government.”

But Simon Biddle, owner of Biddle’s Simply Fresh, said the levy could improve consumer health and shake up the category. “I can see how it could potentially be a positive thing as I do think soft drinks, chocolate and confectionery can be priced too cheaply and people can overload, so hopefully some good can come from this and it isn’t just another tax.

“I expect sugar-free soft drinks to grow in popularity and perhaps in the next few years the soft drinks category will look a bit different with more of a half and half offering.”

David Knight, owner of two Knight’s Budgens stores in West Sussex, has already begun remerchandising his soft drinks chillers to extend the number of facings of zero-sugar variants.

The sugar levy rates will be announced in the 2017 Budget.

OPINION

Looking to 2018

“The biggest concern is that this is just the start of taxation on products high in sugar. I expect the same action will be taken against confectionery in the next five years at least.”

Mark Canniford, Spar Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

“We stock lots of reduced-sugar lines in soft drinks and they are growing in popularity, but full-sugar variants continue to be most popular and I don’t expect that to change.”

Jon Ellis, Town Common News, Dorset

Calls for a rethink

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the government to cancel the plans.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We fear that 
the levy will disproportionately impact smaller businesses and we will be urging the government to work with suppliers and retailers on a partnership approach instead.”

British Soft Drinks Association director general Gavin Partington commented: “We will review 
the legislation when it is published and continue to work with Treasury officials during the legislation’s implementation.”