A glass of water and a milk coffee are seen on a table outside a coffee bar in Vienna
Leonhard Foeger/Reuters
A survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) has found
that 13% of the parents hesitate to ask for free water while dining at a
restaurant, which influences them to order soft drinks for their kids.
Restaurants across the UK have been told to supply tap water
regularly to help families avoid sugary drinks in a bid to control
child obesity and diabetes. Although tap water is available, many
restaurants provide it only on request.
The same survey has stated that around 15% of those who
usually drink water from taps in their home never ask for water while
dining out, while a significant number find it awkward to ask for it.
While awareness of the public health dangers of sugar and
child obesity is rising, drinking tap water in not the only way to
combat it. The chief executive of the British Hospitality Association,
Ufi Ibrahim, as said that tackling obesity requires a multidisciplinary
approach including physical activity and nutrition, according to the Guardian.
Schools, nurseries and child care centres have already been
advised to provide free tap water by the LGA. Russ Ladwa, the British
Dental Association's health and science committee chairman said,
"offering tap water is a simple way the restaurant industry can play its
part on turning the tide on tooth decay and obesity".
According to a report in the Yorkshire Post, one
leading restaurateur from Leeds has commented that the parents should
take responsibility and ask for it themselves as tap water is freely and
openly available.
The data by Public Health England
recommends that the average intake of free sugars should not exceed 5%
of total dietary energy for age groups from two and above. By the age of
11, one in five children are classed as obese in England.
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