Cardiff Council restricts junk food ads

Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:21

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Pixabay

Junk food adverts will be banned on all council-owned property in Cardiff.

It's the second Welsh local authority to impose restrictions on promoting unhealthy food and drink, following a move by Vale of Glamorgan Council earlier this month.

But Cardiff Council says it will go further - with ads for diesel vehicles, payday loans and tobacco products also banned from all of its assets.

The cabinet voted in favour of the measures on Thursday in an effort to support public health, sustainability and community wellbeing in the Welsh capital.

Cllr Dan De'Ath, cabinet member for climate change and strategic planning, said: "Products - such as foods high in fat, salt and sugar - can still be advertised elsewhere in the city, and people can still make their own choices on whether to buy them or not."

"But stopping publicly owned assets being used to promote them is a positive step towards creating a stronger, fairer and greener city for everyone."

In the Vale, restrictions were introduced on junk food advertising primarily at bus stops and on roadside billboards, along with the council's website.

Council leader Lis Burnett denied they were telling people what to do through the ban, saying it was aimed at "taking steps to improve the health and wellbeing" of local residents and to encourage "more active lifestyles".

Local health officials welcomed the move, but it was attacked by former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies, who accused "town hall bosses" of "treating residents like children".

Cardiff Council says it's restrictions align with the Welsh Government's 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales' strategy and anticipates UK Government restrictions, due to be introduced in January.

But the council adds it will honour existing contracts promoting HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar) products until they expire - with the new advertising policy due to be reviewed every three years.

Brand advertising is allowed, but only if no products are featured directly and all proposals for HFSS-related adverts will need council approval.

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