Children under the age of 16 will soon be barred from buying energy drinks in England under a proposed new law designed to address concerns about the health risks posed by high-caffeine products. The legislation would cover popular brands such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime, and apply to all sales — in shops, cafes, restaurants, vending machines and online.
Although most major supermarkets already enforce a voluntary ban, government figures suggest up to a third of young people still consume energy drinks every week. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the measure was a response to growing alarm from parents and teachers about the impact these drinks are having on children’s behaviour and wellbeing.
Why the Government is Acting
Some energy drinks contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee, as well as high levels of sugar. Experts warn that excessive consumption is linked to headaches, poor sleep, irregular heart rhythms and, in rare cases, seizures or even death. Young people are particularly vulnerable because of their smaller body size and developing brains.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come,” said Streeting.
Lower-caffeine soft drinks such as Diet Coke will not be affected by the ban, nor will tea and coffee. A 12-week public consultation is now underway, seeking views from health and education experts, as well as the public, retailers and manufacturers.
Support from Health Leaders
The move has won support from medical bodies. Professor Steve Turner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the ban was “the next logical step” in improving children’s diets. Professor Amelia Lake from Teesside University, who has studied energy drinks extensively, added: “Our research has shown the significant mental and physical health consequences of children drinking energy drinks. They have no place in children’s diets.”
TV chef Jamie Oliver has also been a prominent campaigner, warning last year that some children were arriving at school after drinking cans packed with the caffeine equivalent of “three or four shots of espresso” alongside large amounts of sugar.
Industry Pushback
The drinks industry argues it has already acted responsibly. Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said manufacturers had led the way with self-regulation and warning labels. “As with all government policy, it’s essential that any forthcoming regulation is based on a rigorous assessment of the evidence that’s available,” he said.
Under existing rules, any drink containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre — other than tea or coffee — must already carry a warning label stating it is not recommended for children, or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Wider UK Implications
While the proposed law would initially apply only in England, ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also considering similar restrictions. If implemented, the measures could significantly curb young people’s access to products that health experts say are increasingly marketed as part of youth culture, linked to sport, gaming and music.
