In an effort aimed at close the $15 billion state budget gap, New York Governor David Paterson is calling for a 15 percent tax on soft drinks - the "obesity tax", which turns public concerns over obesity a politically-acceptable target for taxation.

The tax will be imposed only on regular, high-calorie soft drinks, like non-diet versions of Coke and Pepsi, and could generate more than $400 million, along with helping to curb obesity. In fact, some public health advocates support this soda tax, for the singular reason that it might lead to healthier choices.

The specifics of the proposed tax are yet to be released, as the details of the governor's budget plan are expected to be unveiled on Tuesday.

Ed Sherman, at McBreen's Beverage in Lynbrook, opines that the soda tax could be quite confusing. Sherman said: "There is a fine line with a lot of sodas. It would be a difficult thing to regulate what's considered diet and what's not considered diet."

The tax is expected to face opposition from both Coca-Cola and from Pepsico, which has its corporate headquarters in the New York state.

The American Beverage Association (ABA) has argued that lack of exercise, genetics, and other factors need to be taken into consideration while studying the causes of rising obesity rates. ABA president, Susan Neely, said the idea of taxing a single category in response to obesity concerns was "misguided" and "ridiculous".

According to Neely, "there will be strong opposition to this kind of tax, given the economic conditions."