Shops and restaurants will be banned from selling high-caffeine energy drinks to children under new proposals announced by ministers.
The UK Government has confirmed plans first set out in last year’s Labour manifesto to make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years.
The ban will cover all retailers, including online, as well as shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines. It will not apply to lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Ministers said the move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
Research shows that up to one third of children aged 13 to 16 years and nearly a quarter of children aged 11 to 12 years consume one or more high-caffeine energy drinks each week. The government cited growing evidence linking the drinks to harmful effects on children, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” said health and social care secretary Wes Streeting. “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.”
Although many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales of energy drinks, the government said some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children, highlighting the need for a consistent approach that protects children and is fairer for industry. The British Retail Consortium welcomed the announcement which it said would ensure a level playing field across all businesses who sell energy drinks.
A 12-week consultation has been launched on how the ban should be delivered. It will gather evidence from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement authorities and the public.
Children’s health campaigners welcomed the ban. “Energy drinks have become the social currency of the playground — cheap, brightly packaged, and easier to buy than water,” said Carrera, a Bite Back activist from Milton Keynes. “They’re aggressively marketed to us, especially online, despite serious health risks. We feel pressured to drink them, especially during exam season, when stress is high and healthier options are hard to find. This ban is a step in the right direction — but bold action on marketing and access must follow.”
