Conservative Chief Whip Councillor John Goulandris has lambasted plans to expand Bristol City Council's Advertising and Sponsorship Policy by banning additional categories of advertising from council-owned and council-controlled sites.
A report, "Bristol Advertising and Sponsorship Policy Update", was considered by the Strategy & Resources Committee at its meeting on 14 September 2026. The proposals introduce new restrictions on the promotion of products and services deemed to be harmful.
The new restrictions include the promotion of flights, airports, cruise holidays and some travel-related services, as well as advertising campaigns which encourage what the policy describes as "excessive" consumption of fashion products and trends.
The changes build on existing restrictions covering areas such as tobacco products and unhealthy food advertising.
Although Councillor Goulandris voted against the proposals, the Green proposals were supported by Labour and Lib Dem's. The restrictions will now apply across the Council's advertising estate, including bus shelters, digital screens and billboards. Council officers have estimated the changes could result in a reduction of up to £80,000 per year in advertising income.
Councillor John Goulandris (Stoke Bishop) said: "Whilst there is logic in supporting advertising restrictions on products, which are clearly linked to public health, such as measures to discourage smoking, these latest proposals are grossly patronising and a hideous example of woke virtue signalling by the Green administration.
"There are obvious questions about who decides what constitutes 'excessive' fashion consumption and how such a subjective standard can be applied fairly and consistently."
"Should the council really be policing clothing choices or deciding whether residents should be encouraged to take holidays abroad or go on cruises?"
"People are perfectly capable of making their own decisions about what they buy, where they travel and how they live their lives. Local government should focus on providing services and information, not attempting to manage lawful lifestyle choices."
"The policy was introduced without any public consultation and there remains little hard evidence that these types of advertising restrictions lead to measurable changes in behaviour. Banning adverts from council-owned bus shelters and billboards is not the same as reducing demand for those products and services."
"There is an important distinction between discouraging genuinely harmful products and attempting to influence everyday choices about clothes, travel and family life. This decision crosses that line. It's the thin edge of the wedge".
"Many residents will now be asking what other perfectly lawful products or activities the Green-led Administration, if given the chance, would see banned or no longer promoted in future. Will the Green administration seek to cancel Christmas on the basis that it involves consumerism and eating meat?
CONTACT COUNCILLOR JOHN GOULANDRIS: 07825-315636
