The sugar tax has come into force across the UK, but will it make any difference to the amount of the sweet stuff we consume?

From now on, soft drink manufacturers must put a levy on the high-sugar drinks they sell, with many companies already reducing sugar ahead of the change.

Fanta, Ribena and Lucozade are some of the brands that have cut the sugar in their drinks, but Coca-Cola has not.

We hit the streets of Wrexham and Mold, to find out what residents think about the tax and whether its introduction will have any benefit.

Sharon Roberts, Wrexham, who was with her son Samuel, five, said: “Yes I totally agree with it. The obesity rate is horrendous and so is the strain it puts on the NHS.”

Rita Andrews, Wrexham, who was with her grandson Thomas, four, said: “I think it’s a marvellous idea and I think it will work. People sometimes don’t realise the hidden sugars that are in some of these drinks, so I’m all for it. Thomas only drinks water, he’s not even allowed juice and he’s much the better for it.”

Rebbeca Davies, Wrexham was with her daughter Elsie-May, six, said: “I think it’s a really good idea, but I do sometimes worry about the cost of trying to eat and drink more healthily. It feels like people are being priced out in order to stay healthy.”

Alison Jones, Wrexham was with her three children, Josh (12) Lola (nine) and Gethin (eight) said: “I think it’s a good idea, but I’m not convinced it will work. At the end of the day, if people want something enough, then they’ll pay for it won’t they, even if it is more expensive.”

Leanne Whitley, 23, of Mold said: “I think it’s good, it’s going to stop people buying it. I personally drink a lot of coke a day, I would say around at least two bottles of 500ml coke and that’s a lot of sugar but that stops today and it’s because of the sugar tax. I honestly do think it’s going to be beneficial as it’s going to deter people, it’s started with me.”

Terry Hughes, 76, Buckley said: “It’s certainly a good think, it’s brilliant. It certainly will be beneficial as too many people nowadays have diabetes. I myself have got diabetes and I haven’t had sugar since 2007, I don’t miss it at all and it hasn’t hurt me not having any.”

Tom Echlin, 20, of Caergwrle said: “I don’t see the point in it to be honest. I don’t think it’s going to be beneficial really because if you want a sugary drink, you’re going to buy it no matter what aren’t you, so I don’t see the point. I’m not one for sugary drinks personally anyway.”

Gill Waring, 68, of Mold said: “I’m an ex- teacher and I think it’s absolutely brilliant. The amount of children I’ve seen over the years who have had to have their teeth extracted because of sugary drinks is surprising. I think it’s going to be very beneficial in the fight to stop these kids obtaining the amount of sugar that they do and most authorities now are part of the healthy school scheme and stop giving children sugar, we are getting there. It’s very addictive as well.”

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