The Boston City Council is proposing a tax on sugary drinks, saying the money on unhealthy beverages can be put to good use.

Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan proposed the idea as a way to promote healthier habits among residents and also raise additional revenue for the city.

The Boston City Council plans to discuss the possibility of imposing a new local tax on sodas and other sugary drinks. Councilor Sharon Durkan introduced a measure Wednesday that seeks to explore the new tax as a means of generating revenue for the city to spend on public health initiatives and discouraging the consumption of sugar-laden drinks that she says have been shown to increase the

Boston city councilors plan to hold a hearing on the issue. A new city tax on sugary drinks would require approval from state lawmakers, in addition to city leaders.

A tax on sugary drinks could fund important programs and improve public health, Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan is arguing.

A tax of 2 cents per ounce of sugar drinks could raise $20-30 million annually for the city while dissuading people from buying unhealthy beverages, one city councilor argues.

A Boston city councilor is hoping to kick sugar cravings to the curb by proposing a tax on sugary drinks that will be intended to make you think twice about choosing a sugary soda over water, for example.

BOSTON — Boston City Council is considering introducing a tax on sugary drinks. City Councilor Sharon Durkan will propose the “Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax”—or SSBT.