Brighton & Hove Council is set to ban fast food adverts across all of its bus and taxi shelter sites, echoing similar initiatives in Bristol and London. 

Councillors this week agreed recommendations to include restrictions in the advertising of high fat, sugar and salt foods within the procurement for a new contract for city-wide bus and taxi shelter advertising.

Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and chair of the committee said: “Advertising is constantly adapting and there are many products that used to be advertised that are no longer permitted. It’s important that we make this move to prioritise the health of our residents.

“Evidence shows the link between junk food advertising and an increase in buying and eating unhealthy foods. Restricting what foods can be advertised is just one of a range of measures to help reduce obesity among children and adults in the city.

“This has been successfully introduced elsewhere without a major impact on income, as advertisers have diversified their ads and to meet the restrictions.”

This will not impact the current contract, which will be maintained throughout procurement.

The Council the restrictions have been recommended as one of a range of evidence-based measures to reduce consumption of high calorie and less healthy food options, reducing the risk of obesity amongst children and adults.