Cardiff council is banning unhealthy food ads on its property
Another Welsh council is banning junk food advertising in certain public places. Cardiff council is stopping any junk food ads on council property in a bid to make Wales' capital healthier.
The policy, approved by the council's cabinet on Friday, is focused on supporting public health, sustainability, and community wellbeing. As well as the clampdown on junk food advertising the new measure also bans ads for petrol and diesel vehicles, payday loans, tobacco, and vapes. Instead the council is setting out to encourage brands to promote healthier options.
Cardiff Council has become the second local authority to implement such a ban after the Vale of Glamorgan did so earlier this month.
According to the council it has restricted ads for food and drink high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) across its platforms.
It said the ban is complemented by broader measures to ensure all advertising and sponsorship activity is ethical, transparent, and aligned with the council's values.
Alcohol and religious advertising are already subject to strict controls and must comply with national standards and local sensitivities.
The new policy to limit adverts for HFSS brings the council in line with Welsh Government policy. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
From March 2026 new rules set by the Senedd will restrict where shops can display HFSS foods.
Junk food products will be prohibited from placement within two metres of tills or queueing zones, aimed at curbing spontaneous purchases.
Promotional deals like "buy one get one free" or "three for two" will similarly face limitations on such goods and there will also be a ban on complimentary drink top-ups for sugar-laden beverages at eateries and fast-food outlets.
Wales' health minister Jeremy Miles said the regulations were a key part of the strategy "to tackle Wales' growing obesity problem".
Cardiff council cabinet member Dan De'Ath said: "This is about putting the health and wellbeing of Cardiff's people first.
"Products - such as foods high in fat, salt, and sugar - can still be advertised elsewhere in the city and people can still make their own choices on whether to buy them or not.
"But stopping publicly-owned assets being used to promote them is a positive step towards creating a stronger, fairer, and greener city for everyone."
The policy will be reviewed every three years to ensure it remains current and effective.
Existing contracts will be honoured until their expiry, the council added.