England bans buy-one-get-one-free junk food deals

England has implemented a ban on "buy one, get one free" and other multibuy promotions on foods and drinks classified as unhealthy, covering supermarkets, larger high-street shops and online retailers. The restrictions — which include items ranging from sugary fizzy drinks, sweets, chocolates, crisps, cakes, pastries and ice cream to some pizzas and fish fingers — took effect on Oct. 1, 2025, and also bar free refills of sugary drinks in restaurants and cafes. Ministers say the move is a crucial step to tackle rising obesity, particularly childhood obesity, and it will be followed in January 2026 by tighter pre-9pm TV advertising rules and a ban on online promotions. Public health leaders welcomed the measure, citing evidence that earlier restrictions on checkout displays cut sales of unhealthy items by about two million products a day. Campaigners and experts warned it is only a first step and called for wider action — including tighter sports-sponsorship rules, investment in active travel and improvements to school food — while some major retailers had already introduced voluntary limits. The measures have prompted political debate, with critics framing them as government overreach amid competing enforcement and cost-of-living priorities.