Don’t be a Grinch, locals fume as Coca-Cola Christmas truck is banned in UK county
FUMING locals have vented their frustration after a Coca-Cola Christmas truck was banned in a UK county.
The festive themed lorry has been told it’s not welcome in Cumbria by a leading health boss, leaving residents devastated.
Director of public health, Colin Cox, said the sugary drink was “without a doubt” part of the region’s childhood obesity problem.
Mr Cox said he “stands by” comments made in 2017 when he lambasted the company’s use of the festive season to promote the fizzy beverage.
The Christmas truck kicked off its tour on November 23 in Glasgow and has since been spotted in various UK towns including Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester.
But locals were less than happy with the decision to ban the festive red lorry.
Some branded the decision “ridiculous” and “pathetic”.
While another commented: “Grinch! It’s a Christmas thing and kids loved to see the truck.
“Do you really think by not having the truck the kids won’t drink coke.”
A third wrote: “It’s OK to have the odd coke, the odd pizza etc etc.
“Shame the children won’t get to see this truck.”
Another Facebook user wrote: “In 6 years the obesity levels have not changed you might not want to hear this but its unlikely to be the fault of the coke truck.”
However, others praised director Cox for opposing the festive lorry.
Commenting on Facebook, one said: “Brilliant. Well done Colin Cox. About time we got rid of some of the fast food places too.
“Obesity is a massive problem these days without offering coke some free advertising.”
The lorry has been a festive sight for 26 years since its debut in the ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert.
But Mr Cox, along with Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, penned an open letter six years ago stating the bright red truck was not welcome in Cumbria.
The truck last visited the county in 2016.
Speaking to CumbriaLive, Mr Cox said: “Coca Cola is exceptionally good at marketing and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck is just one of their many marketing tools.
“They’re trying to associate sugar syrup, which is what Coca Cola is, with happy, festive times in peoples’ heads.”
He added: “We have an extremely high rate of childhood obesity and sugary drinks are, without a doubt, part of that issue. So, I stand by what I said back in 2017, I do not want to see the Coca Cola Christmas truck in Cumberland this Christmas.”
“It comes shortly after another stop for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour was announced, with the festive attraction set to hit more cities this week.”
The tour will have 17 stops this year – meaning there are 11 more still yet to be announced – and this includes eight new stops compared to last year.
The rest of the dates are yet to be announced.
Florence Wheatley, Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Company, Great Britain, said: “Coca-Cola has been spreading Christmas cheer for decades and, this year, we’ve added even more exciting elements to make it as magical and merry as possible.
“Alongside the beloved ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert, we have introduced new elements like the ‘World Needs More Santas’ TVC and an interactive Santa Quiz.
“We’re also thrilled to extend our partnership with Neighbourly and emphasise spreading kindness and making a positive impact locally.
“Together, we want to inspire year-round acts of goodwill and truly make a difference in our communities!”