A judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging a penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages sold in the Chicago area, and dissolved a temporary restraining order that had delayed its implementation.



It originally was to take effect July 1 but the Illinois Retail Merchants Association sued, arguing the tax is too vague. Cook County Circuit Judge Daniel Kubasiak ruled in favor of a county request to dismiss the lawsuit. Association president Rob Karr says he’s exploring legal options.



Cook County projected collecting about $67.5 million from the tax this year and more than $200 million for fiscal year 2018. Its delay resulted in layoff notices being sent to hundreds of county workers.