Beverage taxes have real consequences. They are deeply unpopular with the public, result in higher prices for families, put the jobs of hardworking people at risk and fail to live up to their promises. In a recent example, projected collections of a beverage tax in the United Kingdom have been reduced by a whopping £105 million, foodbev reported.

The tax was announced in 2016 and was projected to raise £520 million which was intended to provide funding for schools. Officials now expect the tax to raise only £275 million. This is the second time officials have revised projections downward.

This news from the United Kingdom is just the latest proof that beverage taxes are an unreliable and unsustainable source of revenue. Similar taxes in Philadelphia and Boulder have also fallen short of projections. There is a better way to solve budget problems and fund priorities than a tax that harms communities.