The Labour Party government has announced a new law banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16 in England. This move comes in response to alarming statistics showing that approximately 100,000 children consume these highly caffeinated beverages every day.
Health officials emphasize that energy drinks “have no place in children’s hands.” The ban will cover all outlets, including supermarkets, shops, vending machines, and online stores.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson stated, “Thousands of children are consuming these drinks daily, despite clear evidence that they can cause anxiety, disrupt sleep, impair concentration, and negatively affect educational performance. This ban reduces children’s access to harmful drinks and highlights our commitment to creating the healthiest generation ever.”
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Under the new legislation, retailers must take responsibility for ensuring they do not sell energy drinks to under-16s. Local authorities will enforce compliance, with businesses risking fines of up to £2,500 for violations.
Katharine Jenner, Executive Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, praised the policy: “This widely supported initiative is a crucial step toward safeguarding children’s health. The strong link between high caffeine intake and issues like anxiety, poor sleep, and impaired learning makes restricting sales to children common sense.”
Barbara Crowther, Children’s Food Campaign Manager at Sustain, added, “Banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children is vital given the overwhelming evidence of their harmful effects on physical, mental, and dental health. Public support has never been stronger—from parents and young people to health professionals and retailers. With the April 2027 deadline approaching, it’s time to turn this long-awaited decision into law. It’s overdue—we must act now.”