Government consults on banning energy drink sales to children

The government is seeking views from the public on ending the sale of energy drinks to children and young people in England.

The consultation proposes that a ban would apply to drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre and stop all retailers from selling the drinks to children.

It follows the government’s childhood obesity plan, released in June 2018, which outlines a series of measures to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

The consultation will be asking whether the restrictions should apply to children under 16 or under 18; and whether the law should be changed to prevent children from buying them in any situation.

Energy drinks are already banned for sale to children by many major retailers, but children can still buy them from vending machines and many independent convenience stores, for example.

More than two-thirds of 10- to 17-year-olds and a quarter of 6- to 9-year-olds consume energy drinks. A 250ml can of energy drink can contains around 80mg of caffeine – the equivalent of nearly 3 cans of cola. On average, non-diet energy drinks also contain 60% more calories and 65% more sugar than other, regular soft drinks.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who launched the consultation, said: “With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children.

“It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life and I encourage everyone to put forward their views.”