Welsh government looks to ban drink refills to help people make 'healthy choice'

Health secretary Eluned Morgan says businesses would have 12 months to update product packaging before restrictions were enforced.

Tomos Evans

Wales reporter @TomosGruffydd

Monday 15 July 2024 10:12, UK

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Drink refills could be banned in Wales, under plans currently the subject of a consultation.

The regulations, if approved, would prohibit retailers from offering free refills or top-ups of sugary drinks.

Multi-buy offers, such as buy-one-get-one-free, will also be prohibited under the proposals.

But there will be a 12-month window for the packaging of products to be updated, before the restrictions come into force next year.

The Welsh government says it wants to help people in Wales "make the healthy choice" when shopping and dining out.

If businesses do not comply, they would face an improvement notice and failure to act could lead to a criminal penalty under the Food Safety Act.

Enforcement would be down to local councils, the Welsh government confirmed.

The approach would be in line with legislation in England, to ensure enforcement is "as straightforward as possible".

The intention of the Welsh government is to put the proposals to a vote of the Senedd before the end of the year.

Wales's health secretary, Eluned Morgan, said promotions were "very effective" in influencing the food and drink people buy.

"I am determined to support the industry to increase the pace and scale of action to produce and market healthier food and drink products," she said.

A previous consultation looked at other steps, including restrictions on temporary price reductions and meal deals.

The Welsh government says those proposals remain "under consideration" for future legislation.

A consultation in Scotland on restricting promotions of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt took place in 2022.