Coffee culture undermines healthy amenities

Sir, - The expert contributions to Sylvia Thompson’s article provide numerous interesting proposals to improve the nation’s diet and health (“How to tackle Ireland’s unhealthy food environment: Experts on changes they want to see”, March 28th).

An unfortunate negative trend I’ve noticed over the last few years is the proliferation of coffee outlets at amenities and recreation areas. There is hardly a park, promenade or forest that doesn’t have a cabin or trailer present.

I understand most people might see this as a good thing or a “first-world problem”, but it undermines the health benefits of these outdoor, healthy amenities.

Where there is coffee for sale, there are invariably pastries and other temptations for adults and children alike. Unfortunately, coffee culture may be teaching kids that you can’t even leave the house for a walk without indulging. - Yours, etc,