The Welsh government has proposed a ban on energy drinks to under-16s and restrictions on the promotions of certain products in-store as part of its obesity-reduction strategy.
The Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales consultation also proposes to limit the amount of marketing of certain products, mandatory calorie labelling for food purchased and eaten outside of the home, restrictions on free refills and a maximum portion size on soft drinks.
The announcement follows the UK government’s 12-week consultation on a range of restrictions on high fat, salt, sugar (HFSS) products including restricting multibuy promotions and the placement of HFSS products at checkouts, end of aisles and store entrances.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Over half of local shops already have a policy in place to restrict the sale of energy drinks to under 16s, often introduced in partnership with local schools and other community groups. If the Welsh government sees fit to introduce a mandatory age restriction on energy drinks, we will work with retailers to ensure that they are prepared for the change in regulations.”
“We have been clear with the UK government on similar proposals for England that there should be an exemption for small shops who would be faced with significant practical challenges if most of the space in their store was off limits for certain products. We urge the Welsh government to ensure that any measures on restricting the location of products include an exemption for small shops.”
The Welsh government’s consultation does not set out specific detail on the type of promotions or parts of a store that would be affected by proposed restrictions, but does state that the Welsh government is keen to work with the UK government to ensure that there is consistency between England and Wales.
The consultaiton is available here.
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