The UK government will make it illegal to sell energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16. The ban will cover all sales, including online, in shops, cafes, restaurants, and vending machines across England.
Lower-caffeine soft drinks like Coca‑Cola, Coca‑Cola Zero, Diet Coke, and Pepsi, as well as tea and coffee, will not be affected. Popular high-caffeine brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime would all fall under the new restrictions.
Around 100,000 children are believed to consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink daily. Officials say the ban could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and reduce risks of disrupted sleep, anxiety, poor concentration, and lower school performance.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, praised the move, saying: ‘High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children’s hands. This is a common-sense, evidence-based step to protect children’s physical, mental, and dental health. 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.’
Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, and Asda have already stopped selling these drinks to minors, though the Department of Health and Social Care noted some smaller convenience stores continue to sell them to 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 daily? Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high-sugar versions damage 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.’
