Trade bodies have expressed concerns over the potential impact of the Government’s childhood obesity strategy on the eating and drinking out sector.
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Whilst this is a strategy aimed at targeting childhood obesity, we are concerned that some measures contained in the report will ultimately increase the burden of taxation on pubs and put up prices of soft drinks for pubgoers.
“The sugar levy will come as an additional tax on pubs, who already face very high levels of taxation, with both beer duty and Business Rates having a huge impact. Although it is good to see confirmation that pubs will not have to register under the tax, we do remain concerned that non-alcoholic beers could be caught by the levy. Whilst we appreciate that the Government is continuing to look at how these could be excluded, a sugar tax on beverages aimed at providing a low-strength alternative for adults is not within the spirit of the strategy.
“It is good to see that the Government is pursuing more of a partnership approach, in choosing not to pursue mandatory calorie information on menus. This would have been very challenging for smaller pub operators, where menus vary significantly from site to site, and even from day to day. Pub owners should be able to help provide key messages about healthy eating and lifestyle in a way most suited to their business and customers.”
Meanwhile, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Government’s tax on sugary drinks is intended to tackle public obesity but there is a danger it will do little more than increase costs for both retailers and customers. Licensed hospitality is keen to aid the Government’s in its campaign to address public health concerns, but we do not feel that a sugar tax is an effective tool.
