UK Bans Free Fizzy Drink Refills Under New Health Rules

Free refills on fizzy drinks are now banned across England, ending the era of bottomless sodas at chains like Nando’s and Pizza Hut.

The move will affect chains like Nando’s and Pizza Hut as well as others which are known for offering bottomless fizzy drinks.

The ban took effect on Oct. 1, 2025 as part of part of the High in Fat, Sugar or Salt (HFSS) legislation.

The law restricts how and where HFSS (high fat, sugar or salt) products can be promoted

The Government’s new rules state: “Restrictions apply to free refills of sugar-sweetened beverages, defined as HFSS or ‘less healthy’ by the NPM, in any qualifying business, including the restaurant and out of home sector. Businesses in scope of regulations must not offer a free refill promotion on drinks in scope of regulations.”

The law also bans multibuy offers.

Next year, advertising restrictions (9 pm watershed on TV, curbs on paid online adverts) will kick in Jan. 5.

According to Hogan Lovells law firm, the restrictions are “intended to curtail the consumption of unhealthy food and drink products and thereby tackle obesity, especially childhood obesity.”

It said that the government also said that it will “the first in the world to introduce mandatory health food sales reporting for large companies.”

Meal deals with a high fat, sugar or salt content are restricted in Wales.

It said that Products that are high in fat, sugar or salt tend to be more heavily promoted and given higher prominence in stores. This encourages unplanned impulse buys, with people buying, consuming and spending more on unhealthy foods than they intended.