SMEs exempt from new junk food advert ban

Small and medium sized firms will be relieved to learn that the latest junk food advert ban imposed by the government will not affect them and their business.

There will be a UK-wide pre-9pm ban on TV adverts for products such as chocolate, soft drinks, biscuits, pizzas and chips; there will also be new rules regarding online promotion.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomes the fact that SMEs are exempt from such rules at a time when so many are trying to get back on their feet from the pandemic.

FSB National Chair Mike Cherry, commented, “We’re pleased to see that, after much campaigning, the government has embraced our recommendations and exempted the smallest business from this junk food ad ban.

“Just at the time when we need small businesses to bounce back from the pandemic and attract customers to our high streets, the last thing they needed was a plan to ban them from promoting what they do.”

Cherry added, “Today’s exemption avoids the absurd impact of having a chocolatier unable to post photographs on Instagram or Facebook; a fish and chip shop or bakery stopped from emailing its customers about its new range; or an ice cream store near the beach from being part of its local tourism guide or business directory.

“So we welcome this common sense move from the government, which will enable hundreds of thousands of small firms to get back on their feet faster.

“FSB supports efforts to tackle our obesity crisis, and we will continue to do so, provided these efforts don’t damage the small food retailers and producers that are at the heart of our local communities, and in urgent need of our support this summer.

“Now more than ever, small firms are relying on online adverts and social media to share and promote their products and services. As they continue to struggle due to the pandemic, a ban on perceived ‘junk’ food advertising would have been devastating for many.”

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