Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Health, Food and Drink, Politics, Money
Jen Thomas
It's bad news for lovers of free refills, as they will no longer be available on many types of drink thanks to a strict new UK law.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, many people love a freebie and getting value for money is important so things can go further when possible.
Not only does the new rule ban refills in restaurants of some drinks, but it also puts an end to multi-buy offers and price promotions on foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar or 'less healthy'.
That means no more buy-one-get-one-free offers on your favourite snacks.
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It's all being brought in to try and improve our health, and for children in particular.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) previously said: "Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems and costs the NHS billions.
"The end of promotions such as buy one get one free on unhealthy foods was first proposed by the previous government in 2020 and come into force this week."
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The refill ban - which came into place on 1 October - is on sugary drinks and non-diet versions of fizzy beverages like cola and lemonade.
As well as fizzy drinks, Morrisons recently made headlines when it was revealed that café customers are now limited to one mug of hot chocolate, as refills are no longer allowed.
Taking to social media, users have shared images of a sign that reads: "Due to a recent change in legislation, our hot chocolate and mocha are now excluded from our free refills offer."
With the temperature dropping, customers expressed their disdain at the decision.
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"It’s not just the ‘full fat’ Coke in Nando’s," fumed one person. "They’ve come for the hot chocolate and mocha in Morrisons! Hot chocolate!"
Other hot drinks are still available for refill in the Morrisons café, just not hot chocolates or mochas.
"Not a fan of that at all. I get the intent, but when the government gets to tell you what you can do with your body it sets a dangerous precedent," added another.
Someone else claimed: "They’re killing the little joys left in life… no more bottomless Coke hits different."
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Nando's has added a sign to its refill drinks station, which reads: "Want Coca-Cola Classic? It’s one glass only. Based on new government laws, we’ve had to limit Coca-Cola Classic to one glass per customer. Still thirsty? Help yourself to one of our low-sugar fizzy bottomless soft drinks."
A statement on the Nando's website elaborates: "From 1 October 2025, new UK government high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) legislation comes into play that all restaurants in England need to follow.
"As a result, we can no longer offer bottomless Coca-Cola Classic because of its high sugar content. Customers are allowed one glass of Coca-Cola Classic but can still help themselves to any of our other low-sugar bottomless drinks.
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"We know this is a change to how customers can enjoy one of our popular soft drinks, and we hope it doesn’t take away from your experience. All our other low-sugar fizzy bottomless drinks aren’t affected."
The DHSC said the restrictions on multi-buy deals are expected to deliver health benefits of £2 billion and NHS savings of £180 million over 25 years.
A spokesperson for UKHospitality told LADbible Group: "From 1 October, hospitality businesses will be complying with new regulations that have introduced a ban on free refills of sugar-sweetened drinks. Venues work hard to ensure that customers have a wide range of drink options to choose from when they visit our sector, and will continue to ensure that is the case."
Tyla has contacted Morrisons for comment.