ScotGov proposals to restrict HFSS foods in line with the rest of the UK
The Scottish Government has announced that plans to restrict the promotions of food and drink High in Fat, Sugar & Salt (HFSS) in stores across Scotland will take effect from Autumn 2026.
Ministers rolled back on proposals to include Temporary Price Reductions (TPRs) and Meal Deals in the scheme, and free-standing displays will also not be included. The move brings the restrictions much closer to measures already introduced across England and Wales.
Businesses with over 50 members of staff, including stores operating under a franchise/symbol group arrangement will be included in the ‘Price Promotion Restrictions’. Such as multi-buy and free refills of soft drinks with added sugar.
Meanwhile, stores over 2,000 sq.ft (185.8 m²) in floorspace will also see ‘location restrictions’. Meaning that HFSS products cannot be displayed around checkout areas, end of aisles, covered external areas, and store entrances.
SGF Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Luke McGarty, said: “SGF believes in responsible community retailing and our members work hard to deliver lifeline services to communities across Scotland. So, it’s a big win for SGF and the sector that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns about the practicality and impacts of including cost saving deals for customers such as Meal Deals and TPRs in the measures.
“We can also welcome the fact that free-standing displays and stores under 2,000 square feet will be exempt from the in-store display restrictions. Which means that the proposals are similar to measures already in place south of the border, and the majority of convenience stores in Scotland won’t need to rearrange their store to comply to the regulations.
“One area where we do have questions, however, is the decision to include independent retailers that are part of a symbol group in the price promotion restrictions. Nonetheless, we argued for a longer implementation period to ensure the sector has time to adjust to the measures, so we are delighted that this concern has been taken into consideration by ministers.
“Over the next 16 months SGF will be working with ministers to ensure that retailers have clear guidance and everything they need to make the transition as easily as possible.”