Local council bans 'bad' food vans
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A Scottish council has banned burger and ice cream vans from selling food or drink within 500 metres of local schools.
Renfrewshire Council voted last week to stop street traders from selling food near schools in a bid to help improve the health of schoolchildren. The decision means the vans won't be able to sell food or drink between 8am and 9am, midday and 2pm, and 3pm and 5pm near schools from Mondays to Fridays during term time.
The move was proposed after councillors raised concerns about the availability of junk food outside schools and initiatives from the Scottish Government aimed at improving food for pupils.
Scottish National Party councillor Bill Perrie, convener of Renfrewshire Council's Regulatory Functions Board, said: "The increased rate of obesity in children and the poor nutritional value of the snacks they consume can have serious health consequences."
The new condition of licensing will apply to new applications and renewals of old applications. The council said there are currently 25 traders selling food and drink within 500 metres of Renfrewshire schools.
