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Advertising Association comment on HFSS advertising plans in Queen’s Speech

/ May 11th 2021
Advertising and the UK Economy Public Health

Earlier today (11 May 2021) the Government’s legislative priorities for the coming session were laid out in the Queen’s Speech and it announced its intention to introduce a 9pm watershed on HFSS advertising on TV and a total ban online through the Health and Care Bill.

Advertising Association Chief Executive Stephen Woodford has made the following comment:

“We are dismayed at the Government’s decision, announced in today’s Queen’s Speech, that it is going to press ahead with a 9pm watershed and total online ban on HFSS advertising. The Government’s own evidence shows that such measures will be ineffective in tackling obesity. The country needs balanced, consistent and well-evidenced policy interventions that will make a positive difference. The 9pm watershed and online ban will not reduce obesity levels, but will damage business and innovation and put jobs at risk.”