The British government has announced a ban on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16, citing concerns over children's health.
Health Minister Wes Streeting said the move is necessary to protect young people from the harmful effects of energy drinks. "How can we expect children to perform well in school when they are consuming the equivalent of a double espresso every day?" he asked. He explained that these drinks may appear harmless, but they disrupt sleep, reduce focus, and affect mental well-being. Their high sugar content also contributes to tooth decay and obesity.
Under the new rule, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and online retailers will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter to minors. Popular brands will be affected, and many may be forced to change their formulas to comply.
For comparison, a 250ml can of energy drink typically contains around 80mg of caffeine -- the same as a single espresso or two cans of soda. However, the restriction will not apply to tea, coffee, or low-caffeine beverages.
The government has yet to announce when the ban will take effect, but confirmed it will be enforced under secondary legislation within the Food Safety Act of 1990.
Large supermarkets had already introduced voluntary bans on underage sales in 2018, but smaller shops continued selling the drinks. Campaigners welcomed the government's decision. Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said highly caffeinated drinks should never be available to children. She called the policy "common sense" and compared it to existing bans on alcohol and tobacco sales to minors, stressing that it will play a vital role in protecting children's physical, mental, and dental health.