Why it’s about to be harder for teenagers to buy energy drinks
Around 100,000 children are thought to consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink every day
The Labour government has announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England.
The ban aims to prevent childhood obesity, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and poor school performance, citing the harmful effects of high caffeine and sugar content.
Drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime, containing over 150mg of caffeine per litre, will be illegal to sell to anyone under 16.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that these drinks negatively impact children's sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing, contributing to poor health and educational attainment.
A 12-week consultation period will now commence to gather evidence from health and education experts, retailers, manufacturers, and the public before the ban is implemented.
