Restaurants told to give children tap water

Restaurants told to give children tap water

Restaurants should routinely offer tap water to families to help fight child obesity, councils have said. Many restaurants only give tap water on request, despite a legal requirement for licensed premises to provide it, and most diners do not ask for tap water, a survey for the Local Government Association (LGA) found. It also found that 13% of parents feel awkward about asking for free water when eating out as alternative to sugary drinks.

The poll also found that eight out of 10 people usually drink tap water at home, but only a third do so when eating at restaurants. The LGA is calling on the government to use the forthcoming childhood obesity strategy as an opportunity to encourage restaurateurs to “take responsibility” and give parents and children an alternative to a sugary drink.

Russ Ladwa, the chairman of the British Dental Association health and science committee, said: “Beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol, are now the number one source of dietary sugars for all age groups in Britain. Offering tap water is a simple way the restaurant industry can play its part on turning the tide on tooth decay and obesity. Diners deserve a choice, but shouldn’t feel they have to ask for the one option that doesn’t come bundled with sugars, acids or calories.”

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