The UK government has launched a consultation on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s in England due to negative impacts on children’s physical and mental health.
The consultation will run for twelve weeks gathering evidence from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement authorities and the public.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity … By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Local shops have welcomed the consultation from the Department of Health and Social Care, which proposes that drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre would be illegal for sale to anyone aged under 16. Tea, coffee and lower caffeine soft drinks are not affected by the plans.
The Association of Convenience Stores’ polling of independent retailers in 2022 showed that 80% already had a voluntary policy in place to restrict the sale of energy drinks to young people. High caffeine soft drinks are currently labelled as ‘not recommended for children’, but to date there is no legal restriction in place on these products.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “The majority of convenience stores already have a voluntary age restriction in place on energy drinks, and will welcome the clarity of regulation on this issue. Our members have a longstanding track record of enforcing age restricted sales on different products, but it is essential that the Government effectively communicates the details of the ban to consumers to avoid the risk of confrontation in stores.”
Plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to children in Scotland were shelved in 2023.
