Labour announces major ban on some caffeinated drinks

Retailers will be banned from selling energy drinks to under-16s under plans to reduce their harmful effects on children, the Government has announced. The proposed change would make it illegal to sell youngsters energy drinks containing more than 150mg caffeine per litre.

It will apply across online retailers, shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines. Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales but around 100,000 children are thought to consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day. Some of the beverages are also high in sugar and it is hoped the move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?

"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.

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

Research suggests that up to one in three children aged 13 to 16 consume at least one energy drink per week. Children from more deprived areas are more likely to consume them, fuelling health inequalities, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

A consultation on the plan will now run for 12 weeks, gathering evidence from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement authorities and the public.

Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, welcomed the "common sense, evidence-based step".

She added: "High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children's hands. We fully support the government's proposal to ban sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.

"Age-of-sale policies like this have a proven record of reducing access to products that are not suitable for children, and will help create an environment that supports healthier choices for future generations."

Dr Kawther Hashem, head of research and impact at Action on Sugar, Queen Mary University of London, said: "We strongly welcome the government's consultation on an age-of-sale ban for high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s.

"These drinks are unnecessary, harmful, and should never have been so easily available to children.

"The free sugars in these products increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay, while the high caffeine content can harm young people's mental health and wellbeing. By ensuring the ban applies across vending machines and convenience stores, the government has the chance to close loopholes and make this policy effective."