The Philadelphia City Council approved a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on sugar-sweetened and diet beverages Thursday, making it the first major city in America with the tax.

 

Proponents of the tax say the money raised will expand pre-kindergarten programs throughout the city, as well as improve Philadelphia’s libraries and parks.

 

However, critics, including supermarket owners, say the tax will merely cost the city business. They also argue the tax would unfairly target poor consumers.

 

The tax goes into effect January 1.