Brighton University introduced a 10p “sugar tax” today (Monday 1 August) but it has left a bitter taste in the mouth of one student.
The university said: “Brighton is the first university in the country to launch a campaign to cut sugar consumption – and it is being backed by Jamie Oliver.”
But opposition is expected from the Brighton Students Against Sugar Tax campaign when the autumn term starts.
The university said: “The renowned chef, who launched the ‘Sugar Smart drive’ has sent staff and students a message of support as the university joins with Brighton and Hove City Council in the Sugar Smart City campaign.
“The university intends introducing initiatives over the next academic year to raise awareness of sugar consumption and hidden sugar, including the introduction of a 10p levy on the price of sugary drinks.
“The money raised will be used to fund food education schemes for the university’s students. The university is also planning to raise awareness of sugar consumption through cooking lessons, education and nutrition information.”
In a message to the university’s 23,000 students and staff, Jamie Oliver said: “I’m hugely excited that the University of Brighton is joining the Sugar Smart campaign.
“It’s brilliant to hear that you are introducing a levy on sugary drinks to help raise awareness about the long-term damage too much sugar can have on our health, and empowering us all to reduce it in our diets.
“We’re facing a growing obesity crisis. With more than four million people in the UK diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the need for action is more urgent than ever.
“Students of all ages need to be more aware of the dangers sugar consumption can have on our long-term health.
“I really believe that we need a comprehensive strategy to turn the tide of diet-related disease and get back on track.
“It’s not about banning sugar altogether – a piece of cake for a special treat is totally fine – but we need to understand that by reducing the way we eat and drink sugar, we can have a huge impact on improving our health.
“Paired with regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet, we can all lead a healthier, happier life.”
But one student, Jeremy Gale, said “the implementation of Brighton University’s sugar tax” would mean a 10p levy – or “an increase of approximately 14 per cent” – added to the cost of sugary drinks in the university’s cafés and restaurants.
Mr Gale, announcing the Brighton Students Against Sugar Tax campaign, said: “There are several reasons why this policy is misguided and ill-conceived.
“Firstly, the timing of the announcement – towards the end of last academic year – and its implementation on (Monday) 1 August, has allowed the university to stifle any debate to be had on the issue.
Cash-strapped students need to make every penny count for their bodies – so avoid sugary junk that does nothing to help them look and feel their best.
Why not reduce the cost of the healthier options rather than cashing in? Any excuse to make a few extra quid…