DT News - UK - Welsh Assembly member calls for chewing gum tax

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 10 August 2012

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CARDIFF, UK: The Welsh could be facing higher prices for chewing gum. An assembly member has called for a 5p tax on every such item to help pay for the cost of cleaning up litter on the streets and to effect behaviour change among the public. National market leader Wrigley fears that the tax will negatively affect sales and therefore people’s oral health.

As reported by the British media, the Welsh Conservative Darren Millar holds chewing gum litter as a blight on the streets that is costing councils thousands of pounds to remove. In his opinion, the introduction of a small levy on a packet of chewing gum could help tackle this problem and furthermore change the behaviour of people who spit their gum on the streets.

Wrigley, however, is against such a tax. A spokesperson told news site confectionerynews.com that not only would it deter some consumers from buying chewing gum, which would have a detrimental effect on the UK’s oral health, but it could also be a licence for some to dispose of their gum irresponsibly, as they will feel that they have already paid for it to be removed.

“The only effective way and sustainable solution to littered gum is to encourage people to dispose of their used gum responsibly,” the spokesperson told the website.

The industry is already working on gum that degrades on pavements more quickly. According to the Wrigley spokesperson, this is a difficult task, as the product would still need to meet the consumers’ requirements of taste, flavour and quality of chew, as well as comply with all necessary food regulations.

A decision on whether the proposal will be allowed to proceed as a bill will be made by the Welsh Assembly before 7 November.

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