The move means all advertising spaces controlled by Kingston Council will in future be free from adverts for foods high in fat, salt and sugar. The new policy builds on existing restrictions on advertising for alcohol, vapes and e-cigarette and gambling products.
The healthier advertising policy, passed by councillors at the People Committee in June, aims to significantly reduce the promotion of unhealthy products to all residents and particularly children in the borough.
The policy will be implemented in all council controlled advertising spaces as new contracts are tendered and existing contracts renewed.
Councillor Hamed, Portfolio Holder for Public Health in Kingston said:
Improving health and wellbeing for residents and reducing health inequalities is a priority for Kingston Council and I’m proud that we are showing leadership in this area by introducing this healthier advertising policy. We are committed to support healthier eating and active lifestyles. Introducing these restrictions will lead to a significant reduction in adults’ and children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising in the borough.
Kingston Council worked alongside healthy and sustainable food charity Sustain to define and deliver its new Healthier Advertising Policy.
Fran Bernhardt, Sustain's Commercial Determinants Coordinator said:
We’re delighted to have worked with Kingston Council to prioritise children’s health by switching the spotlight away from unhealthy foods and drinks. We hope the terrific news from Kingston will inspire even more councils to take this important step for their residents’ health.
The new policy aligns with council’s priorities to improve health and wellbeing for all residents and reduce health inequalities across the borough as laid out in Kingston’s Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-28 and the Healthy Weight Strategy. It also supports the aims of the London-wide Million Hearts and Minds initiative aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease.