SHOULD TV adverts for junk food be banned? Readers have been responding to that long-running question.

This comes after confirmation from the Department of Health that adverts for junk food online and those on TV before 9pm will be banned by 2023.

But other high calorie non-junk foods – such as avocado, honey, olive oil and Marmite – will be exempt from the ban, it is understood, despite fears they could be included due to their high fat and sugar contents.

Here’s what you had to say.

Michelle Deeley said: “Another example of nanny state gone mad!

“It’s not gonna make a lot of difference to the ridiculous queues outside Maccies in town on a lunchtime when students come out.

“If someone wants a Greggs or Maccies, it’s up to them really.”

Will Hatton said: “Honestly I can’t see it making any difference to anything.

“If you want people to stop eating junk food then outlaw it, same with smoking.”

Shona Mary McGregor said: “Is it going to make any difference? People will still know that there is junk food about.”

Tony Jeffrey said: “Why? People aren’t stupid!”

The Department of Health said small businesses will be exempt because the Government recognises these may be some of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Advertising Association said the measure won’t work, while the Food and Drink Federation said it was disappointed that Government continues to press ahead with headline chasing policies.

Plans to ban junk food adverts online were put out to consultation just before Christmas but faced opposition from senior Tories and the industry.

While anti-obesity charities welcomed the idea, many Conservatives viewed it as an unacceptable intervention by the ‘nanny state’, a term used to describe overly protective laws designed to protect us from perceived dangers.