Free drink refills could be banned in Wales under Welsh government consultation

Free drink refills might be banned at eating places and cafes as a part of new proposals by the Welsh authorities.

Well being Secretary Eluned Morgan has launched a session to limit “promotions of meals merchandise excessive in fats, sugar and salt”.

It additionally proposes to limit retailers from placing ahead presents, equivalent to purchase one get one free, on unhealthy meals.

The Welsh authorities mentioned it was “supporting individuals in Wales to make the wholesome selection”.

The session outlines proposed laws which the Welsh authorities mentioned was “taking motion to enhance our meals surroundings”.

It features a proposal to ban retailers from providing free drink refills, which many excessive avenue eating places together with Nando’s and 5 Guys supply. One other proposal will forestall retailers providing promotions, together with buy-one-get-one-free and three-for-two presents on unhealthy meals merchandise. A 3rd proposal will bar retailers from putting excessive fats, sugar and salt meals merchandise in sure areas in shops, together with entrances, finish of aisles and checkout or queueing areas. It should additionally apply to on-line equivalents together with web site entry pages, procuring basket and fee pages.

The Welsh authorities mentioned meals merchandise with poor dietary worth have been promoted greater than more healthy merchandise, which then influenced the foods and drinks individuals purchase.

Hayden Roberts, 28, a restaurant employee from Wrexham, thinks the restrictions will assist individuals to eat extra healthily.

“Due to these presents, meals that is unhealthy for you is cheaper than meals that’s good for you,” he mentioned.

“In the event that they put this stuff in place individuals could be inspired to purchase more healthy meals.”

Vishley Furtado, 21, a scholar, mentioned it was more durable to eat more healthy lately resulting from price.

“Numerous issues have gone up in value. You need to eat more healthy and they need to promote that,” he mentioned.

“They need to attempt to make more healthy meals extra inexpensive.”

Karen Salisbury and Sian Roberts, each from Wrexham, mentioned kids must be educated on what they’re consuming.

“Increasingly more children these day do not know greens,” mentioned Karen.

The deadline date for session suggestions is midnight on 23 September. If the proposals are permitted by the Senedd, it would come into drive in 2025.

A Welsh authorities spokesman mentioned it wished to help individuals in Wales to make the “wholesome” and “simple selection in terms of meals procuring and consuming out.”

“This proposed laws is a part of a broad vary of approaches, each voluntary and regulatory, that we’re contemplating to encourage the meals and retail sector to supply, promote and promote more healthy foods and drinks,” he added.

Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative shadow well being minister, known as the proposal “excessive” and can “exacerbate the price of dwelling for the poorest in society”.

“Whereas wholesome consuming is necessary, the Welsh Conservatives consider that you’ve a proper to determine what you eat and drink. Clearly Labour don’t,” he added.

Nando’s and 5 Guys have been requested to remark.