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London council to ban ads on gambling and unhealthy items
To promote a healthier lifestyle, the Kingston Council in South London is planning to ban advertisements for gambling, junk food, and vaping on any property it owns.
The proposed policy would also block ads for alcohol, tobacco, vapes, and food or drinks that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. The goal is to limit residents’ exposure to products linked to poor health.
A health assessment carried out last year identified tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diets, high blood pressure, and obesity as the top risks contributing to early deaths and long-term illness in Kingston. In response, council officials say limiting advertising for these products is one way to combat the issue.
The People Committee will vote on the proposed advertising ban on June 17. If approved, the new rules will apply to all council-owned sites and future advertising contracts. Existing contracts would be updated to follow the policy when they’re renewed.
The UK likes restrictions
Kingston would join more than 20 other councils across the UK that have introduced similar restrictions, including several other London boroughs.
This local move comes as national conversations around gambling advertising continue. Earlier this year, a parliamentary committee called on the government to reconsider current rules around gambling promotions, especially their presence in sports.
While the government’s 2023 Gambling White Paper made few changes, pressure is mounting to take stronger action.
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