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

Free drink refills could be banned at restaurants and cafés as part of new proposals by the Welsh government.

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has launched a consultation to restrict “promotions of food products high in fat, sugar and salt”.

It also proposes to restrict retailers from putting forward offers, such as buy one get one free, on unhealthy food.

The Welsh government said it was “supporting people in Wales to make the healthy choice”.

The consultation outlines proposed legislation which the Welsh government said were steps on “taking action to improve our food environment.”

It includes a proposal to prohibit retailers from offering free drink refills, which many high street restaurants including Nando’s and Five Guys offer.

Another proposal will prevent retailers offering promotions, including buy-one-get-one-free and three-for-two offers on unhealthy food products.

A third proposal will bar retailers from placing high fat, sugar and salt food products in certain locations in stores, including entrances, end of aisles and checkout or queueing areas.

It will also apply to online equivalents including website entry pages, shopping basket and payment pages.

The Welsh government has said food products with poor nutritional value are currently disproportionately promoted more than healthier products, which then influences the food and drink people buy.

Hayden Roberts, 28, a restaurant worker from Wrexham, thinks the restrictions will help people to eat more healthily.

“Because of these offers, food that’s bad for you is cheaper than food is good for you,” he said.

“If they put these things in place people might be encouraged to buy healthier food.”

Vishley Furtado, 21, a student, said it was harder to eat healthier these days due to cost.

“A lot of things have gone up in price. You should eat healthier and they should promote that,” he said.

“They should try to make healthier food more affordable.”

Karen Salisbury and Sian Roberts, both from Wrexham, said children need to be educated on what they are eating.

“More and more kids these day don’t know vegetables,” said Karen.

The deadline date for consultation feedback is midnight on 23 September. If the proposals are approved by the Senedd, it will come into force in 2025.

Last year, plans to restrict meal deals with a high fat, sugar or salt content were announced to tackle obesity and diabetes.

At the time, retailers raised concerns with food prices remaining high, and an eating disorder charity said it could be detrimental to those in recovery.

In June 2020, Scotland “paused” a new bill to place restrictions on the promotion of junk food due to the Covid pandemic.

Plans to ban two-for-one junk food deals were delayed by the UK government until at least 2025.

A Welsh government spokesman said it wants to support people in Wales to make the “healthy” and “easy choice when it comes to food shopping and eating out.”

“This proposed legislation is part of a broad range of approaches, both voluntary and regulatory, that we are considering to encourage the food and retail sector to produce, promote and sell healthier food and drink,” he added.

Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative shadow health minister, called the proposal “over the top” and will “exacerbate the cost of living for the poorest in society”.

“While healthy eating is important, the Welsh Conservatives believe that you have a right to decide what you eat and drink. Clearly Labour do not,” he added.

Nando’s and Five Guys have been asked to comment.