Free drink refills could soon be banned in this UK nation

Those hoping to get free refills while enjoying time in Wales will be disappointed to know they could be banned soon.

New proposals from the Welsh government to restrict ‘promotions of foods high in fat, sugar and salt’ could see restaurants and cafes ban the free top ups.

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has also said the government hopes to restrict retailers from putting offers on ‘unhealthy’ food.

The government said ‘We are supporting people in Wales to make the healthy choice.’

One proposal in the new guidelines presented mentions restricting retails from putting ‘unhealthy foods’ in certain locations in shops – near entrances, aisle ends and checkout areas.

But the new proposals haven’t been met with enthusiasm, as those across the UK struggle to make the weekly food shop already.

Vishley Furtado, 21, told the BBC: ‘A lot of things have gone up in price. You should eat healthier and they should promote that.

‘They should try to make healthier food more affordable.’

In 2020, the UK government set out proposals hoping to ban online adverts for fatty, sugary and salty food.

But the plans were labelled ‘insane’ by one think tank, who warned warned foods such as avocados, Marmite, mustard and hummus could be affected, alongside fish and chips, and curry.

Then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at the time: ‘I am determined to help parents, children and families in the UK make healthier choices about what they eat.

‘We know as children spend more time online, parents want to be reassured they are not being exposed to adverts promoting unhealthy foods, which can affect eating habits for life.

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