Jamie Oliver is to slap a "sugar tax" on all sweet drinks served in his restaurants as a protest at the British Government's refusal to introduce one.
The celebrity chef has pledged to add a 10p charge (about 20c New Zealand) for every drink containing added sugar, with the money raised going to fund better education about healthy eating for children.
The millionaire restaurateur says he has imposed the tax to highlight the dangers of consuming too much sugar, as well as sending a message to Government to take urgent action on childhood obesity.
The levy, which Oliver hopes will raise around £80,000 in the first year, will mean a 330ml glass of Coca-Cola at a Jamie's Italian would cost £2.65 (NZ$6).
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the chef said the restaurant industry needs to "join together" on the issue of increasing child obesity in order to send a "powerful and strong message to Government".
