England Enforces Ban on Energy Drinks Sales to Minors

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of young people, the UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks such as Red Bull to individuals under the age of 16 in England. This initiative addresses growing concerns about the impact of energy drinks on children's health, particularly regarding their caffeine content, which can exceed two cups of coffee per serving. Despite voluntary measures by supermarkets, studies suggest that up to one-third of teens aged 13 to 16 regularly consume these beverages.

Health Minister Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of this regulation, stating, "By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we're helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come." He highlighted the potential adverse effects on sleep, concentration, and overall well-being, as well as the contribution of high-sugar energy drinks to dental issues and obesity.

Currently, drinks containing over 150mg of caffeine per liter are required to carry warning labels indicating they are not recommended for children. However, the new ban aims to eliminate sales entirely for minors, complementing existing voluntary restrictions.

A 12-week consultation will now be conducted to gather insights from health experts, the public, retailers, and manufacturers to finalize the regulations. Minister Streeting questioned, "How can we expect children to perform well at school if they consume a double espresso every day?" The government’s initiative seeks to address these issues by tackling the root causes of poor health and educational challenges linked to energy drink consumption.

Furthermore, concerns are raised about the broader impacts of energy drinks, including interference with sleep patterns, concentration, and potential long-term health consequences. The move aligns with efforts to promote healthier lifestyles among young people and reduce preventable health problems.

(source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-england-sale-energy-children.html)