The UK government has proposed banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to youths under 16 years of age in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines, as well as online retailers.
According to a press release issued by the government on Tuesday (Sep 2), the UK will consult on banning the products for the age group "due to negative impacts on children's physical and mental health".
The proposal will make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16. Lower-caffeine soft drinks, tea and coffee are excluded from the ban.
"There is growing evidence linking these drinks to harmful effects on children, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes," the Department of Health and Social Care said.
Examples of high-caffeine energy drink brands include Monster, Red Bull, Prime and C4.
The UK government said that parents and teachers back the proposed ban, which "will deliver significant long-term health benefits".
This move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children, it said, adding that around 100,000 children in the UK consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink daily.
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict the sale of such drinks to children, but some smaller convenience stores may still be selling them to children. This highlights "the need for a consistent approach", the UK government said.