The Government has confirmed that they will go ahead with the planned 9pm watershed on TV advertising and a total ban on paid-for online advertising. The Government’s response to the 2022 consultation on the draft secondary legislation was also published. This will confirm the definitions for the products, businesses and services in scope of the restrictions ahead of them coming into force.
In response, a spokesperson for the Advertising Association said:
“We note that the Government has committed to delivering the policy announced under the previous administration in 2022. Although the policy is not new, the advertising industry has long-awaited clarity over the restrictions and we welcome the Minister providing more information in his statement. It is vital that we now have the final guidance and legislation published as soon as possible to give certainty to business.Â
“While the evidence shows that advertising bans will have little effect on childhood obesity, the confirmation of these restrictions will help bring the certainty that our sector has been asking for ahead of their implementation in October 2025.”
