As anticipated, the American Beverage Association and other plaintiffs have appealed the decision of the Court of Common Pleas dismissing the group’s legal challenge to the Philadelphia Beverage Tax. Philadelphia passed the 1.5 cents per ounce tax earlier in 2016 and the challenge was filed in September on the grounds that the tax (which opponents have labeled a sales tax) violates state law because it is not applied across the entire state.  Last week we advised that Common Pleas Judge Glazer ruled the tax was not a sales tax and hence dismissed the suit.  Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney urged the industry not to appeal and to accept the judge’s decision.  Although the industry did appeal, the tax will still go into effect beginning this Sunday, January 1.  Happy New Year, Philadelphia consumers!