Scottish Doctors Vote Down Tax On Chocolate

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

13 March 2009

The annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees voted down a motion calling upon the UK government to consider implementing a sin-type tax on chocolate products in a bid to control the number of health-related ailments associated with obesity.

According to David Walker, a Scottish GP, who proposed the motion, the government should regulate chocolate in the same way as alcohol and cigarettes by levying additional taxes on it in an attempt to discourage individuals from purchasing high-calorie snacks.

Dr Walker believes that chocolate is no longer consumed in moderation or as a treat, and its popularity is contributing the country's increasing obesity levels, pushing up the number of people suffering from weight-related ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Individuals incorporating chocolate into their regular diet can easily add around 1,200 calories to their daily limit.

Walker is adamant that governments need to pursue the issue further - arguing that the imposition of additional taxes on chocolate would consciously separate these products from healthier alternatives.

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