Council chews over junk food advertising ban

Peterborough Youth Council said young people were 'bombarded' with junk food ads

A council has been advised to consider banning junk food advertising on its land and properties after a youth group raised concern.

Peterborough Youth Council has asked Peterborough City Council to "restrict" the advertising of food high in fat, salt and sugar in buildings or on land it owns.

Emmeline Watkins, the city council's director of public health, said the authority should consider adopting a healthier food and drink advertising policy.

She has outlined detail in a report due to be voted on by cabinet members at a meeting on 17 June. It is recommended for approval.

Peterborough Youth Council organised a petition asking the city council to restrict the promotion of junk food in places it owned

Peterborough Youth Council organised a petition in November asking the city council to restrict the promotion of junk food in places it owned.

The group said young people were "bombarded with junk food ads and left to deal with the consequences of obesity and poor mental health on their own".

Members want to increase the visibility of healthier options provided by local businesses and inspire others to advocate for change.

'Start'

A number of other councils have introduced advertising bans.

Luton Council adopted a similar policy last year.

It said no adverts that included items high in fat, salt and sugar would appear on its billboards, lampposts, screens or roundabouts.

Luton Labour councillor Khtija Malik, the portfolio holder for public health, said the policy was a "start" in a bid to reduce the town's "high rates of obesity among young children".