Fast food shops could face ban near schools
FAST food restaurants and burger vans face being banned from operating near school grounds under plans proposed by a Tory MSP.
The Scottish Government has commissioned expert analysis to consider how the planning system can be used to crack down on businesses selling burgers, chips and fizzy drinks near schools.
Some councils have previously tried to prohibit vans selling unhealthy food from operating outside school grounds, but found they do not have the legal powers to do so.
But changes to planning policy could give local authorities legal powers to act by setting up ‘exclusion zones’ around schools.
The move was previously proposed in a healthy living strategy drawn up by Scottish Conservative health spokesman Brian Whittle, a former Olympic athlete.
It follows the publication this week of a consultation by the Scottish Government that proposes measures to make school meals healthier, such as cutting the amount of sugary foods including cakes and pastries on menus and reducing the amount of processed meat and fat on menus.
During a topical questions session at Holyrood yesterday, Nationalist MSP Bob Doris said: ‘Sometimes what happens outside the school grounds is just as significant as inside the school canteen.
‘How would the Scottish Government address the wider issue of something I certainly see inside my constituency, of many students having easy access to fast food outlets in close proximity to their schools – outlets that often offer the most unhealthy food of all?’
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: ‘That food environment that encourages poor health choices is something we want to look at and we are committed to making it as easy as possible for everyone to make healthier choices.’
Figures suggest that 29 per cent of Scottish children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese.
The Government said the research it commissioned will look at ‘the relationship between the food environment and the planning system, including the area around schools’.
It is expected to be published this year and will help to inform the review of Scottish planning policy.
Last night Mr Whittle said: ‘This is something we’ve been calling on for some time, and I’m glad the Scottish Government appears to be acting. Few things are as important as the future health of our nation.
‘Planning rules can very much play a part in making children healthier, encouraging better diets from a young age, and simply handing them a better start in life.’
Mr Whittle added: ‘I look forward to working with ministers and councils to make this a reality.
‘We need to consider the quality of school meals, look at where we agree planning for fast food restaurants, encourage pupil involvement in menu development and encourage physical activity.’
‘Handing them a better start in life’