England will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s starting next April. The government cited health concerns, including sleep disruption and anxiety, as the reason for the proposed measure, which is subject to parliamentary approval.
The ban aims to protect the health and well-being of children and teenagers by curbing the consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks, which have been linked to various negative health effects.
England is set to implement a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to individuals under the age of 16, beginning in April of next year. The British government announced the forthcoming restriction, which aims to safeguard children's health and well-being by addressing concerns over excessive caffeine consumption.
The proposed legislation will encompass drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre and will apply to sales made through retail outlets, food service establishments, vending machines, and online platforms. Ministers highlighted that approximately 100,000 children in England consume such drinks daily, and cited evidence linking these beverages to issues such as sleep disruption, anxiety, and impaired concentration.
This move by the government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is part of a broader strategy to mitigate risks faced by young people. Similar measures are being considered, including restrictions on social media use for those under 16 and overnight curfews for older teenagers. The government views these actions as crucial for improving the health, sleep patterns, and overall well-being of young individuals.
A 12-week public consultation period will be initiated to gather feedback from health and education experts, the public, and industry stakeholders before the ban is finalized. The Department of Health and Social Care is spearheading this initiative, with Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasizing the need for action in response to concerns from parents and educators. The definition of a high-caffeine energy drink excludes beverages like Diet Coke, tea, and coffee.