Cardiff council bans junk-food ads on council property in health push

Cardiff council approved a ban on junk-food advertising on council-owned property on Friday as part of a broader drive to promote healthier choices and a more sustainable city. The policy also blocks advertisements for petrol and diesel vehicles, payday loans, tobacco products and vaping devices. Advertising of alcohol and religious content will be allowed only under strict, nationally aligned controls. The move places Cardiff among Welsh local authorities taking action to curb the reach of unhealthy marketing in public spaces.

Cardiff becomes the second local authority in Wales to implement the prohibition, following an earlier adoption by the Vale of Glamorgan. Officials said the measure aligns with Welsh government policy that already limits advertising of high-fat, salt and sugar products in public-facing contexts. The council said the ban is intended to be complemented by broader measures to ensure adverts are ethical, transparent, and in line with authority values while contributing to a healthier city environment.

From March 2026, Senedd obesity-tackling regulations will tighten how foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can be displayed in shops and online. Under the rules, junk foods—including pizza, chocolate, and many breakfast cereals—will have to be removed from shop entrances and ends of aisles. Sugary drink refills and certain buy-one-get-one-free deals will also be barred. The restrictions target impulse buys at key selling hotspots in businesses with 50 or more employees, and retailers found in breach could face fines. Public-health officials say the changes aim to curb spontaneous purchases that contribute to rising obesity rates across Wales.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the policy would help "tackle Wales' growing obesity problem." The remarks frame the measure as a practical step in meeting the government’s public health objectives without removing consumer choice.

Dan De’Ath, Cardiff council’s cabinet member for climate change, framed the policy as a step toward a healthier, fairer, and greener city. "This is about putting the health and wellbeing of Cardiff’s people first," De’Ath said. "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 from promoting them is a positive step toward creating a stronger, fairer, and greener city for everyone."

Officials stressed that the policy will be reviewed every three years, with existing advertising contracts honoured until their expiry. The council said it will continue to assess the practical implications and ensure that the framework remains aligned with health and sustainability goals while maintaining transparency and consistency in public messaging.