As tartan-clad retailers nervously tally stock, Scotland has announced that from autumn 2026, stores with more than 50 employees must curb promotions on foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). The move brings Scotland’s rules closer to those in England and Wales, while sparing meal deals and temporary price cuts for now.
Shoppers will still see candy bars and fizzy drinks on shelves—but fewer multi‑buy bargains or checkout temptations. Meanwhile, freestanding displays and non‑prepacked goods dodge the new restrictions, leaving some question marks over long-term impact on health and retail margins.
Two-Tier Rollout: What’s In and What’s Out
It’s not a blanket ban—and that’s causing both relief and head-scratching among shopkeepers.
First off, who’s covered? Any retailer with over 50 staff, including franchises and symbol groups, must follow the rules. Small corner shops? They’re off the hook… for now.
Next, which promos get the chop:
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Multi‑buy offers: “Buy one, get one free” and “3 for £5” are toast.
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Sugary refill freebies: Unlimited cola refills? Not on the house.
But here’s the twist—temporary price reductions (TPRs) and meal deals remain untouched. Retailers can still flash neon sale tags and craft bargain sandwich combos.
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And then there’s location-based rules for bigger footprints (stores over 2,000 ft²). Check out this quick table:
| Restriction Type | Applies To | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout displays | Stores >2,000 ft² | No HFSS products within checkout zones |
| Aisle ends | Stores >2,000 ft² | Endcaps must be HFSS-free |
| Entrances & exits | Stores >2,000 ft² | No HFSS items near doors |
| Sheltered externals | Stores >2,000 ft² | Covered outdoor areas off-limits for HFSS promos |
Basically, if your store is large enough, sugary snacks can’t greet you at the door—or lure you in at the till.
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Critics say excluding TPRs and meal deals leaves too many loopholes. Supporters argue it’s a balanced approach, easing the burden on small businesses and preserving consumer choice.
Health Goals vs. Retail Realities
Why bother? Scotland’s Health Secretary points to stubbornly high rates of obesity and related illnesses—heart disease, diabetes, you name it. HFSS products are often touted as “everyday essentials,” but in reality, they’re major calorie bombs with little nutrition.
So the government’s basically saying, “Hey, let’s make junk food a bit harder to buy on impulse.”
But will it work? Debates rage faster than haggis at a Highland Games.
Here’s a snapshot of the intended benefits:
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Reduce impulse buys: Fewer late-night sugar raids at the checkout
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Level the playing field: Healthy options get more shelf space and prominence
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Signal health priorities: Public messaging that diet matters
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Yet retailers worry. Multi‑buy deals help clear slow‑moving stock. Removing them could mean more waste, tighter margins, and… higher prices elsewhere.
“It’s a fine line between nudging shoppers and alienating them,” admits one Glasgow grocer. “We don’t want to feel like sugar Nazis, you know?”
A few more folks echo that sentiment. After all, meal deals—favorite picks for busy commuters—are still in play, giving shoppers a way to dodge the no‑promo zone.
Still, public health advocates argue that real change demands bold moves. Scotland was an early adopter of minimum unit pricing on alcohol—and that, surprisingly, cut consumption without crippling pubs.
Could HFSS curbs follow suit?
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Time will tell. But come 2026, checkout lines will never be quite the same.
