Small business owners seek sugary drink tax exemption

Some small business owners are asking the Seattle City Council to exempt them from Mayor Ed Murray's proposed sugary beverage tax. They and farmers market associations raised concerns to councilmembers on the Seattle Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods and Finance Committee about the added costs it could mean for their businesses, which already face labor and regulation changes in the city. Murray is asking for a tax of 1.75 cents per ounce on sweetened drinks (including diet drinks) to fund the…