New sugar tax laws that came into effect last week prevent customers from refilling their soft drinks in restaurants. The new regulations, which include a ban on multi-buy and price promotions on unhealthy foods, left Brits wondering whether restaurants would actually enforce the change - with some complaining on social media after it became reality.

One X post read, "Wtf is this country" alongside an image which displays a sticker on top of what appears to be a drinks refill machine in a Nando's restaurant. The notice reads: "Want Coca-Cola Classic? It's one glass only. Based on new government laws, we've had to limit Coca-Cola Classic to one glass per customer. Still thirsty? Help yourself to any of our low-sugar fizzy Bottomless Soft Drinks."

Many others have taken to social media to express their outrage. Content creator Jonny Velvet videoed himself taking a second glass as he compared the UK to North Korea, Joe has reported. "I hope I don't get arrested for this," he said.

Meanwhile, James Goddard, who runs a sizeable X page, compared the rule to those of former Albanian communist dictator Enver Hoxha.

He wrote: "Nando's: Based on new government laws, we've had to limit Coca Classic to one glass per customer. There's more rules and regulations in Modern Britain than Enver Hoxha's Albania."

Nando's has since released a statement, which says: "Due to the new government HFSS legislation, we won't be able to offer classic Coca-Cola as part of our bottomless offering, however customers can still enjoy one glass of classic Coke and then go bottomless on any of our low-sugar and sugar-free options for free after that. Customers are allowed one glass of Coca-Cola Classic but can still help themselves to any of our other low-sugar bottomless drinks. We know this is a change to how customers can enjoy one of our popular soft drinks, and we hope it doesn't take away from your experience. All our other low-sugar fizzy bottomless drinks aren't affected."

The ban comes amid government efforts to tackle obesity in the UK. An original consultation took place during 2018 as part of the previous government's Child Obesity action, and legislation was finally passed in Parliament in December 2021. The rules only came into force on Wednesday (1 October 2025). The legislation applies to supermarkets, large high street chains and online retailers.