SEATTLE – Coming in 2018, distributors of sugary drinks will pay a tax of 1.75 cents per ounce in Seattle after the city council approved the new tax on Monday, the Seattle Times reports. Supporters of the tax said it would lower consumption of sweetened soda and provide funds for more access to nutritious foods in low-income areas.

“It’s a huge win for Seattle,” said Victor Colman, director of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition. “It’s not a panacea for the problem of childhood obesity, but it’s a huge marker to take this step. Consumption drops will happen, and we’re going to see stronger health in the communities that need this the most.”

The tax would tack on approximately $1.18 for a 2-liter bottle of sugary soda. Diet drinks, baby formula, medicine, 100% fruit juice and weight-loss beverages received an exemption from the new tax. Fountain drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks, as well as bottled and canned soda, will be taxed. The city estimated the tax would generate around $15 million annually.

Soda makers, convenience stores and restaurants fought the tax. Husik Harutyunyan, owner of a small grocery store, was against the tax because many of his customers would likely cross the city line into neighboring Shoreline to buy cheaper soda.

Early last month, Santa Fe voters rejected a city tax on soft drinks. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s city tax on soda has had unexpected repercussions with Pepsi yanking 2-liters and 12-packs from store shelves in direct response to the tax.