NHS plans sugar tax on food and drink sold in hospitals by 2020

The NHS in England is to impose its own “sugar tax” on sweetened food and drink sold in hospitals in England, as part of radical new plans to tackle the obesity crisis.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said that the NHS would consult on introducing the charge in hundreds of acute care, mental health, and community health services by 2020 in a bid to improve the health of staff and patients.

The plan would see hospitals and other premises across England charging more for sugary drinks and food sold in cafes and vending machines, in an effort to drive behavioural change among staff, patients, and visitors.

A rolling programme of supplier contract renegotiations will also be …