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| Restaurants urged to give all families tap water to fight childhood obesity | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Restaurants should routinely offer tap water to families to help fight child obesity, councils have said. | Restaurants should routinely offer tap water to families to help fight child obesity, councils have said. |
| Many restaurants only give tap water on request, despite a legal requirement that licensed premises provide it, and most diners do not ask for it, a survey for the Local Government Association (LGA) found. | Many restaurants only give tap water on request, despite a legal requirement that licensed premises provide it, and most diners do not ask for it, a survey for the Local Government Association (LGA) found. |
| It is calling on the government to use its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy as an opportunity to encourage restaurateurs to “take responsibility” and give parents and children an alternative to a sugary drink. | It is calling on the government to use its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy as an opportunity to encourage restaurateurs to “take responsibility” and give parents and children an alternative to a sugary drink. |
| Related: The sugar conspiracy | Related: The sugar conspiracy |
| The poll found eight out of 10 people usually drink tap water at home, but only a third do so at restaurants. | The poll found eight out of 10 people usually drink tap water at home, but only a third do so at restaurants. |
| The same survey found that 15% of those who usually drink tap water at home never think of asking for water in cafes or restaurants, while 13% said it made them feel awkward. | The same survey found that 15% of those who usually drink tap water at home never think of asking for water in cafes or restaurants, while 13% said it made them feel awkward. |
| The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils, has previously called for tap water to be made more freely available in schools, nurseries and children’s centres. | The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils, has previously called for tap water to be made more freely available in schools, nurseries and children’s centres. |
| Izzi Seccombe, the LGA’s community wellbeing spokeswoman, said: “We want restaurant owners to play their part in tackling childhood obesity by offering families tap water. | Izzi Seccombe, the LGA’s community wellbeing spokeswoman, said: “We want restaurant owners to play their part in tackling childhood obesity by offering families tap water. |
| “While most restaurants will happily provide a glass of tap water on request, we’re saying it shouldn’t be something you have to ask for. Some people may be too embarrassed or find it awkward to ask for tap water. Others may simply forget it’s an option. Water brings important health benefits and keeps people hydrated. | “While most restaurants will happily provide a glass of tap water on request, we’re saying it shouldn’t be something you have to ask for. Some people may be too embarrassed or find it awkward to ask for tap water. Others may simply forget it’s an option. Water brings important health benefits and keeps people hydrated. |
| “For children it’s an alternative to a sugary drink, while for adults it might dissuade them from ordering another alcoholic drink.” | “For children it’s an alternative to a sugary drink, while for adults it might dissuade them from ordering another alcoholic drink.” |
| Russ Ladwa, chairman of the British Dental Association’s health and science committee, said: “Beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol, are now the number one source of dietary sugars for all age groups in Britain. | Russ Ladwa, chairman of the British Dental Association’s health and science committee, said: “Beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol, are now the number one source of dietary sugars for all age groups in Britain. |
| “Offering tap water is a simple way the restaurant industry can play its part on turning the tide on tooth decay and obesity. Diners deserve a choice, but shouldn’t feel they have to ask for the one option that doesn’t come bundled with sugars, acids or calories.” | “Offering tap water is a simple way the restaurant industry can play its part on turning the tide on tooth decay and obesity. Diners deserve a choice, but shouldn’t feel they have to ask for the one option that doesn’t come bundled with sugars, acids or calories.” |
| Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: “Free tap water is available wherever alcohol is sold, in line with licensing conditions. We acknowledge the wider public health concerns around childhood obesity and will review the impact of proactively offering tap water as a point of discussion with our members.” | Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: “Free tap water is available wherever alcohol is sold, in line with licensing conditions. We acknowledge the wider public health concerns around childhood obesity and will review the impact of proactively offering tap water as a point of discussion with our members.” |
| “Tackling obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach including nutrition and physical activity. The BHA support the public health agenda and welcome the interest of the LGA, and hope they will support the BHA’s ongoing calls for government – including local governments – as well as schools, to do more to promote greater awareness of health, nutrition and physical exercise to the general public.” | “Tackling obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach including nutrition and physical activity. The BHA support the public health agenda and welcome the interest of the LGA, and hope they will support the BHA’s ongoing calls for government – including local governments – as well as schools, to do more to promote greater awareness of health, nutrition and physical exercise to the general public.” |