The Department of Health and Social Care has announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone aged under 16 in England, effective from April 2027. The legislation will apply to drinks, other than tea or coffee, containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, and will cover all retail settings including shops, vending machines, and online sales. Business-to-business sales are excluded.
Government aims to protect children's health
The government says the ban is intended to protect thousands of children who consume high-caffeine energy drinks daily. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson stated: "High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children's hands. We know thousands of kids in England consume them daily but the evidence is clear that this can cause anxiety, affect their sleep and concentration and can have a detrimental impact on their education."
Education Minister Olivia Bailey added: "This ban will protect children from high-caffeine energy drinks that undermine their health and focus in the classroom, so they can make the most of all the exciting opportunities ahead of them."
Consultation showed strong support
The ban follows a consultation that received nearly 1,100 responses from businesses, public health organisations, enforcement bodies, and members of the public, with strong support for introducing an age restriction. Retailers will be responsible for ensuring the drinks are not sold to under-16s, while local authorities will enforce the ban. Businesses that break the law face fines of up to £2,500.
Disproportionate impact on deprived areas
Children living in more deprived areas and households are more likely to consume these drinks, increasing health risks and impairing their learning, the government warned. Katharine Jenner, Executive Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, commented: "This is a hugely popular policy, backed by parents, health professionals and the public, and a vital step towards protecting children's health. Strong evidence links high-caffeine energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, reduced concentration and harm to learning and wellbeing - restricting sales to children at a vital time in their life is just common-sense."
Jenner also noted: "Children in more deprived communities are disproportionately affected. Extending the ban across shops, vending machines and online sales will create a fair, consistent system for retailers and families. After years of delay, the Government must now secure approval, support effective enforcement and ensure the ban starts promptly in April 2027."
