A change in the law will see Morrisons forced to make changes to its hot drinks. New government obesity rules mean the supermarket will no longer offer hot chocolate refills.
Some customers are not happy with the news. The rule comes after the Government announced new laws in order to tackle childhood obesity. Laws which came into force on October 1 will see “bottomless” drinks banned along with “buy one get one free” offers on some fizzy drinks.
The ban extends to hot sugary drinks including hot chocolate and mochas. Morrisons has confirmed hot drinks will be impacted at its stores with its sugary hot drinks now excluded from self-serve.
But Morrisons is not the only place to confirm the change. Weatherspoons may also be forced to scrap hot chocolate.
The restrictions will apply to supermarkets, larger high street shops and online retailers.
The measure has been under consideration for years but has been put off because of the cost-of-living crisis.
A sign spotted in a Morrisons recently read: “Due to a recent change in legislation, our Hot Chocolate and Mocha are now excluded from our Free Refills offer.”
Some angry customers have taken to social media to share their disappointment at the new rule.
Regular tea and coffee are not impacted by the new legislation.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson 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.”
There will also be a ban on the advertising of less healthy food and drink on television before 9pm and a complete ban on online promotions from January.