23rd Oct 2025 - 06:00
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Reading Borough Council says it wants to restrict adverts of food and drink that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) from large digital displays, bus shelters and roundabouts, it was reported by BBC News.
This planned restriction comes as research has shown about 60% of the adults in the borough are classified as overweight or obese. Reading had 244 fast food outlets last year, which is higher than 95% of other local authority areas.
The council says the revised policy aims to encourage the advertising of healthier products and not to ban adverts of businesses.
Rachel Eden, the council's lead councillor for education and public health, told BBC News: "We need reminders about salad or a nice hearty vegetable stew at this time of the year. The data makes it very clear that this will have a measurable impact on the health of our population and therefore will save lives and also help us to live better lives as well."