The government of the United Kingdom has revealed plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, such as Red Bull, to anyone under the age of 16 in England.
Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announcing the move on Wednesday, said “By stopping children from buying these drinks, we’re laying the groundwork for healthier and happier generations,” he explained.
While most major supermarkets already enforce a voluntary restriction, the new policy would make it a nationwide rule.
The Government has hinted that one in three teenagers aged 13 to 16 regularly consume energy drinks, which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee.
“How can we expect pupils to thrive in the classroom if they’re running on the equivalent of a double espresso every day?” Streeting asked, stressing that the government was responding to concerns raised by parents and teachers. “We’re determined to address the root causes of poor health and educational struggles head-on.”
Drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre are legally required to display a warning that they are not suitable for children.
But Streeting maintained that was not enough, explaining that, “Energy drinks may look harmless, but they disrupt sleep, harm concentration, and affect children’s wellbeing. On top of that, the high-sugar varieties damage teeth and fuel obesity.”
The proposal will undergo a 12-week consultation process, seeking input from health experts, retailers, manufacturers, and the wider public.
