Calls to ban the Coca-Cola Christmas truck claiming it contributes to obesity

Many state the first showing of the Coca-Cola Christmas advert, featuring the famous truck, as the beginning of the festive season (as sad as that may be). Despite this, calls have been made to ban the Christmas truck from its annual tour of the UK over fears that it contributes to the obesity epidemic.

Richard Kemp, leader of the Liberal Democrat party has written to bosses at the Liverpool One shopping district stating that the visit would encourage consumption of an unhealthy product, the Liverpool Echo reported. In his letter, he calls attention to Liverpool’s high levels of obesity with 30 percent of 11-years reported to be obese and five percent clinically so. In terms of the city’s adult population, up to 60 percent qualify as medically obese. As a result, Richard Kemp states “we must take action to deal with this because the consequences are alarming.”

These worries have been echoed across social media and by Richard’s fellow party members. Lib Dem Mirna Juarez added that “there is plenty of profit to be made in Liverpool One during the Christmas run up and New Year sales. I am sure that the tills will be ringing even without the visit of this promotion.”

Not everyone is completely behind the proposed ban, however, with many in the community accusing Richard of lacking festive cheer. A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Britain responded to the criticism: “the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour provides a moment of fun for everyone in the build-up to Christmas and we’ve had a positive response from many people in Liverpool when we visit each year,” they went on to draw attention to the small size of the cans (150ml) and the option to choose one of the brand’s zero sugar options.