Bristol imposes ban on advertising for high-carbon industries and fast fashion on council-owned sites

The local authority claimed this is the first time a council has restricted the advertising of fast fashion.

Under the council’s updated policy, approved at a meeting of its Strategy and Resources Committee this week (14 September), advertisements promoting the following products and/or services will no longer be accepted on council-controlled advertising sites:

• petrol, diesel and hybrid-electric vehicles, as well as all SUV models, including electric SUVs
• flights, airports, cruise holidays and travel agents
• fossil fuel companies and associated brands
• marketing campaigns encouraging excessive consumption of fashion products and trends.

These industries are added to existing restrictions imposed by the council, which already places limitations on advertising for products such as gambling, payday loans and foods and drink high in fat, salt and sugar.

Cllr Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, said: "This vote is a win-win for the people of Bristol. By banning the advertisement of fossil fuels and products which produce high carbon emissions on council-owned billboards, bus shelters and digital screens, we can encourage the promotion of more sustainable products which are better for individuals and better for the environment.

“Advertising forces itself upon all of us. Whilst scrolling, whilst walking, whilst waiting for the bus, it has negative impacts on our health and wellbeing as well as the climate, environment and local economy. And it is unsurprisingly the most extractive and damaging industries that are able to spend the most.”

Cllr Mack added: “In Bristol we are committed to pushing back on this, so I am delighted that as a council we have today banned the advertising of high-carbon products.

“As the first council to introduce restrictions on the advertising of fast fashion, we will continue to look at how we can keep improving our advertising policy so that our outdoor spaces reflect the positive values of Bristol and the local economy.”

Harry Rodd