Scotland has announced a ban on businesses with more than 50 employees from displaying prepackaged junk food in highly visible areas, effective October 1. The regulation covers items such as sugary drinks, confectionary, biscuits, and high-sugar breakfast cereals. These products will no longer be allowed at store entrances, checkout counters, or the ends of aisles. Additionally, promotions like free refills of sugary beverages will be prohibited under the new rules.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to make it easier for people to live healthier lives. In Scotland, two out of three adults are overweight or obese, with those living in our poorest areas more likely to be overweight and experience the most harm as a result. We know that promotions and the prominent product placement can encourage over-consumption and impulse buying of foods with high levels of calories, fat, sugar, and salt. By restricting the promotion of less healthy food and drink we can make it easier for people to make healthier choices, improving health and wellbeing and create a Scotland where everyone eats well and has a healthy weight.”
The Scottish government has modeled the policy after similar restrictions already in place in England and Wales. Retailers were extensively consulted to ensure the rules address public health concerns without disproportionately affecting businesses. The Scottish Retail Consortium described the regulations as proportionate and noted that many retailers have already adopted healthier practices, such as promoting fresh produce and reducing sugar, salt, and fat in their products.
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Industry representatives estimate the changes will require an investment of approximately £20 million to implement but expressed support for the initiative. They noted that Scotland’s grocery sector has taken a leading role in introducing traffic-light labeling and reformulating products to improve nutritional standards, which will help ease the transition.
Todd emphasized that the restrictions form part of a wider strategy to enhance public health outcomes while protecting smaller enterprises. Enforcement of the policy will be integrated with existing workplace regulations, ensuring compliance is managed effectively.
