**Multi-buy offers and free refills to be banned in Wales**
The Welsh Government is set to introduce new regulations aimed at restricting the sale of items high in fat, salt, and sugar in an effort to promote healthier food choices and combat rising obesity levels. Under the proposed rules, supermarkets will be prohibited from offering multi-buy deals such as three-for-two or buy-one-get-one-free on unhealthy products. Additionally, free refills on sugar-sweetened drinks at restaurants or takeaways will also be banned.
**New Regulations to Promote Healthier Food Choices**
The regulations, known as The Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations 2025, will impose restrictions on the placement of high-fat, sugar, and salt products in retail outlets in Wales. Large businesses with 50 or more employees will be required to adhere to the rules, which include limitations on displaying unhealthy foods at store entrances, aisle ends, and checkouts, both in physical stores and on their online platforms.
**Aims to Combat Obesity and Encourage Healthier Eating Habits**
The Welsh Government aims to reduce overconsumption of unhealthy foods, particularly among children, who are at a higher risk of being overweight or obese. By making healthier food options more visible and accessible in shops, the government hopes to encourage people to make healthier choices and improve their overall wellbeing. The regulations are expected to come into force in March 2026, following a vote in the Senedd and a 12-month implementation period.
**Cost and Impact of the Regulations**
The implementation of the new regulations is estimated to cost £7.9 million, with projected savings of £222 million over a 24-year period. However, retailers may incur lost profits amounting to £10.7 million during the same appraisal period. The rules regarding free refills are projected to cost £411,000, with identified savings of £2.37 million between 2024 and 2048. These measures will apply to medium and large retailers in Wales, exempting smaller businesses and certain establishments such as food takeaways.
**Enforcement and Compliance**
Councils will be responsible for enforcing the regulations, with penalties ranging from improvement notices to fixed fines of £2,500 for non-compliance. The regulations aim to prevent food products high in fat, sugar, and salt from being positioned within 2m of checkouts or designated queuing areas, discouraging impulse purchases of unhealthy items.
**Public Health Wales Supports the Initiative**
Public Health Wales has expressed support for the proposed regulations, citing the significant impact of food presentation and positioning on consumer choices. By creating a more level playing field between consumers and retailers, the regulations aim to empower individuals to make healthier food choices and address the growing health concerns associated with poor dietary habits.
**Government Officials Emphasize the Importance of Healthy Eating**
Wales’ health minister, Jeremy Miles, emphasizes the need to address the increasing rates of obesity in the country by improving the food environment and promoting healthier food and drink options. With a majority of adults in Wales being overweight or obese, the government sees these regulations as a crucial step towards encouraging positive changes in dietary and lifestyle habits.
**Looking Ahead to a Healthier Future**
As Wales takes a proactive stance in promoting healthier eating habits and combating obesity, the new regulations on multi-buy offers and free refills represent a significant milestone in the country’s public health strategy. By prioritising the availability and visibility of nutritious food choices, the Welsh Government aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions for their overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, the upcoming ban on multi-buy offers and free refills in Wales reflects a concerted effort to tackle the pressing issue of unhealthy eating habits and obesity in the country. By implementing strict regulations on the promotion and sale of high-fat, salt, and sugar products, Wales is paving the way for a healthier future for its residents.