Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16

The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.

Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.

So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.

The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.

The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.

The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.

Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.

Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.

The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.

Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.

“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?” commented 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

“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.

Read more:

• Government announces ban on disposable vapes in UK to ‘protect children’s health’
• Junk food ads set to be banned before 9pm in Government’s new anti-obesity strategy
• The eight new measures proposed by the Government to create a ‘smokefree generation‘

“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”

Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)