CHIPPING AWAY
THOUSANDS of chippies and takeaways are under threat as the government launches a fresh crackdown on junk food.
Owners fear a tough new advertising ban will be a killer blow for their business on top of the losses they have suffered during the pandemic.
1
Ministers have already unveiled plans to prohibit TV commercials for unhealthy grub before the 9pm watershed.
But now they want to go further and outlaw all adverts for high fat, salt and sugar products.
Alarmed bosses claim it could be the death knell for thousands of small businesses.
Andrew Crooks, of the British Takeaway Campaign, warned it would “punitively punish” thousands of small, independent eateries already reeling from the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
The government insists it only wants to protect children online - and believes stricter controls could lead to 120,000 fewer overweight and obese children in Britain.
But chippy owners point out that many local outlets advertise on social media and rely on it for people placing orders during lockdown.
'VITAL ROLE'
Mr Crooks, who runs a fish and chip shop, has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden urging him to exempt independent takeaways, kebab shops and curry houses with fewer than five outlets.
He said: “These local businesses do not have multi-million pound TV marketing campaigns. For them, social media is their shop window, especially when we’re in and out of lockdown.
“Removing their ability to advertise robs them of a crucial way to reach customers, when nobody knows what the future holds and takeaways continue to have a vital role in keeping the nation fed.”
There are an estimated 20,000 kebab shops in the UK and 10,500 chippies, 8,500 curry houses. Many of them are privately run, unlike some of the burger and fried chicken joints run by large chains.
In their letter, the takeaway bosses say they have responded to the government’s health drive and that 65 per cent of outlets now offer low-fat options and 59 per cent provide products that are lower in salt.
Most read in News
They write: “Over the last eight months, takeaway owners and their employees have stepped up and played a crucial role in keeping the nation fed during this pandemic.
"Many more have done their bit, and more, to support thousands of frontline workers, often out of their own pocket.
“Takeaways, along with thousands of pubs, cafes and restaurants, have adapted overnight to keep feeding their communities, be it through redesigning their shops to be COVID secure, establishing measures to keep staff safe or offering delivery services for the very first time.”
Scottish chippy is defying physics with its new sweet treat - deep fried ice cream
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Topics