READ AND PASSED

This enacted measure creates a business income and receipts tax credit for certain merchants—including convenience stores, specialty food stores, gas stations with convenience stores, and limited-service restaurants—that sell nonalcoholic beverages without caloric sugar-based sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. Starting in tax year 2017, eligible merchants may receive a credit of up to $2,000 based on increased spending on these beverages, subject to a $1 million annual cap and application requirements.

Amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by creating a tax credit to encourage certain merchants to provide healthy beverage alternatives in their stores, all under certain terms and conditions.