According to The Health Foundation, three-quarters back extending the indoor smoking ban to outdoors, with 49% in favour of extending this further to include outdoor hospitality spaces.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of the public support a proposed tax on producers of foods high in sugar or salt, with some of the revenue used to fund fresh fruit and vegetables for low-income families.
Almost half (46%) backed the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol with 31% opposing. Similarly, 48% support banning marketing of alcohol products at sporting events, with 23% opposing this policy.
England has not had a national alcohol strategy for over a decade, trailing behind Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, which have successfully implemented minimum unit pricing.
Adam Briggs, senior policy fellow at The Health Foundation, said: 'The public supports bolder policy approaches to tackle alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and without this, the Government risks undermining its objectives for improving health, economic growth and inequality reduction.
'Alcohol-related deaths in England have surged for five consecutive years, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 40%. Alarmingly, there has been little movement on comprehensive alcohol policies under both Conservative and Labour Governments. Current policies targeting junk food marketing and high-caffeine drinks for children are also inadequate. Prevention is foundational to fostering a healthy and thriving UK, so now is the time for bold action.
'Our polling also shows that for some policy areas there is more support for action among people living in less deprived parts of the UK. While support still outweighs opposition in more deprived areas, it shows that alongside implementing bolder policies, the Government must engage with a wide range of communities to address both real and perceived harms.'
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘There is need for urgent action, which is why we are investing an additional £310m into drug and alcohol treatment in 2025/26, to ensure more people receive support.
‘As part of our Plan for Change, we are shifting our focus from sickness to prevention, prioritising early intervention and health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives.'
