The Irish government plans to implement a sugar tax in April 2018, which is set to raise the cost of soft drinks. The country's 2018 Budget outlines that beverages with more than eight grams of sugar per 100ml will be taxed at €0.30 ($0.44) per litre, while a reduced tax rate of €0.20 ($0.30) per litre will be implemented from drinks with between five and eight grams of sugar per 100ml. The government says the tax rates are consistent with those being introduced in the U.K. in April 2018. A similar tax was introduced in Portugal earlier this year, and the country's ministry for health says consumption of high-sugar drinks has dropped by 25% since its implementation.
Related News:
Ireland to introduce sugar tax on soft drinks - ESM
Coke, 7UP and... tonic water? The drinks that will be hit by the sugar tax - The Journal
Almost a third of Irish children are now overweight - study - The Irish Times
Sugar tax adds 60c to two-litre bottle of fizzy drink - The Independent
Viabilité