The Government has suggested banning free refills of sugary soft drinks in pubs and restaurants as part of a new consultation.
The Department of Health & Social Care published its consultation on restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt, at the weekend.
The text stresses that the proposed measures are mainly aimed at the retail sector and that it was not the “intention or the aim of this policy to make it more expensive for families eating out as a treat.
It goes on to say: “We are not targeting price promotion offers of non-pre-packaged food and drink in the out of home sector such as ‘kids eat free’, other similar meal offers for children, free desserts/sides, or offers like ‘2 courses for £X’. We are also not targeting combination offers like meal deals in retail or out of home settings as they are generally targeted as lunch options for adults and they aim to reduce the cost of a single meal, therefore they do not tend to encourage overconsumption as is the case with volume based ‘multibuy type’
“However, we are proposing that free refills of sugary soft drinks that are in scope of the SDIL (soft drinks industry levy) are in scope of the policy. Data shows that soft drinks are the top sugar contributor to children’s diets and this type of promotion encourages overconsumption as it is aimed only at one individual.”
Responding to the consultation, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “It is staggering that Government has launched this consultation now, while the food industry is trying to manage planning for a no deal Brexit. It also jars with recent comments from the Health Secretary stating now is the time to stop legislating to deal with the excesses of the few, and to rein back the nanny state.
“We support efforts to promote healthier eating habits and the sector continues to take decisive, proactive action in a range of areas. Price promotions in the out-of-home sector are designed to provide good value to hard-pressed consumers, which our members do on a daily basis, allowing people the opportunity to treat themselves when dining out.
“Year-on-year food inflation has climbed to over 6%, so this latest proposal is clearly unhelpful and, with more uncertainty in food supply on the horizon because of Brexit, means the sector faces challenging times ahead. Hospitality businesses need a supportive operating environment, not nanny state measures that will restrict choice and lead to higher prices for consumers.”
