The British government plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to children younger than 16. File Photo by Austin Kirk/Flickr
The British government plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to children younger than 16.
The proposed ban, which would be implemented under the Food Safety Act of 1990, would prohibit shops, cafes, restaurants, and websites from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per liter to anyone under the age of 16.
It would affect popular drinks such as Red Bull and Monster, while drinks such as Diet Coke, tea and coffee would remain available for purchase by minors.
No exact date was immediately set for the ban to take place.
Health experts welcomed the ban as they believed it would boost the overall health of children.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and well-being of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity,” said Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.
A study by the NASUWT union found 71% of teachers worry about students consuming energy drinks.
“The drinks create a situation in which pupils can’t focus, can’t sit still, and just think it’s cool to drink them”, one teacher said.
Another said: “Energy drinks make it very difficult for students to focus and engage with learning and seem to make students noisier and agitated.”
Jamie Oliver, a TV Chef, has warned of the dangers of energy drinks.
“We are talking about three, four shots of espresso in one of these things. Loads of sugar. So an absolute nightmare,” he said in a video posted on X last year.
