Kingston set to ban junk food adverts

Adverts for "unhealthy" food - as well as ones promoting vaping and gambling - are set to be banned in Kingston to tackle rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

A new report by council officers said the policy aimed to improve residents' health by reducing their exposure to such products, according to the LDRS.

The south-west London borough's joint strategic needs assessment in 2023 revealed a rising rate of diabetes, with more than 2,000 new cases thought to be linked to excess weight.

The new policy would restrict advertising of "harmful products" on all council-owned estates, assets and through advertising contracts procured by the council.

If the scheme goes ahead, it will be up to the council to decide whether an advert complies with the new advertising policy.

Kingston's joint strategic needs assessment in 2023 found the top five risk factors for ill health and premature mortality for adults were tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, poor diet and high systolic blood pressure.

The report said introducing the policy would "support strategic and operational plans to address the rising rates of obesity and chronic disease in the borough".

A total of 24 local authorities across the UK have already introduced a healthier advertising policy, including nine London boroughs, according to the report.

The policy would apply to new contracts, with existing ones having to meet the new requirements on renewal.

The council's people committee will vote on whether to approve the policy on 17 June.

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