The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on potential restrictions for the promotion of high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) products.
In the consultation, the Scottish Government has set out options for the number of categories of products that would be included within the restrictions, as well as the restrictions themselves which fall into two main categories – location restrictions and promotional restrictions.
The proposals include restricting the placement of HFSS products in the following areas:
- checkout areas, including self service
- end of aisles
- front of store, including store entrances and covered outside areas connected to the main shopping area
- island/ bin displays
While on the promotional side, the proposals include restricting the following types of promotion for HFSS products in store:
- ‘X for Y’ promotions, such as buy one get one free, extra free and 3 for 2 offers
- ‘X for £Y’ promotions such as 3 for £2
- Temporary price reductions, such as 10% off for a limited period
- Meal deals
- Unlimited refills for a fixed charge
Similar legislation is due to come into effect in England in October 2022 however, the proposals coming into force in England do not include restrictions on meal deals and temporary price reductions, or location restrictions on island/bin displays. They do however closely mirror the proposals currently being considered in Wales.
The consultation does not set out a preferred approach to exemptions from the regulations, instead asking whether the exemption should be based on the number of employees in a business, or the relevant square footage of the store. The regulations in England set out exemption criteria for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and stores under 2000 sq ft.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said different rules across the UK would lead to added confusion. “We remain very concerned about the prospect of slightly different and even more confusing rules on restricting HFSS products and promotional activity in Scotland and Wales compared to England, and will be responding to the consultations in due course to outline the problems that differing HFSS rules will have on our members.”
No comments yet