There is some divide in public opinion on the idea of a “sugar tax” according to a new poll for the Daily Mail. While a small majority (54%) support a new tax on food and drinks which contain high levels of sugar, 43% oppose it. Other measures aimed at reducing obesity in Britain are more popular, such as compulsory health warning labels on food and drinks which are high in sugar (85%) and legal maximums on the amount of sugar allowed in food and drinks (72%).
A ban on high in sugar food and drinks is less popular, with 46% supporting it and 52% opposing.
Q: Do you support or oppose each of the following proposals designed to reduce obesity in Britain?
Support | Oppose | Don’t know | |
A new tax on food and drinks which contain high levels of sugar | 54% | 43% | 3% |
Compulsory health warning labels on food and drinks which are high in sugar | 85% | 13% | 2% |
Legal maximum limits on the amount of sugar allowed in food and drink | 72% | 26% | 2% |
A ban on the sale of processed food and drinks which are high in sugar | 46% | 52% | 1% |
Base: GB adults (n=1,002).