Bristol bans fast fashion advertisements on council-owned sites

Bristol has become the first British city to ban advertisements for fast fashion. The new policy, passed by the Bristol City Council’s strategy and resources committee with an eight-to-one vote, also restricts advertising for SUVs, airlines, cruises, and fossil fuels on all council-owned spaces.

The restrictions apply to various formats, including billboards, bus stop shelters, print, and online platforms. This move builds upon a 2021 policy that prohibited junk food advertisements on council property.

Bristol’s Green-led council stated the decision aims to prevent the city from serving as a “billboard for polluters” while working toward climate and sustainability goals. The policy reflects local political trends, following the election of Green Party MP Carla Denyer and the party becoming the largest in the council chamber.