Banning energy drink sales to children proposed

The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking views from the public on ending the sale of energy drinks to children and young people in England.

Following the latest chapter of the government’s childhood obesity plan in June 2018, the consultation proposes that a ban would apply to drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre and prevent all retailers from selling the drinks to children. Many larger retailers have already banned the sale of energy drinks to children, but wth the majority of convenience stores and vending machines having not followed suit, there is a considerable lack of consistency.

Questions in the consultation include whether the restrictions should apply to children under 16 or under 18 and whether the law should be changed to prevent children from buying them in any situation.

Announcing the consultation, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces, and that’s why we are taking significant action to reduce the amounts of sugar consumed by young people and to help families make healthier choices.

“Our plans to tackle obesity are already world leading, but we recognise much more needs to be done and as part of our long-term plan for the NHS, we are putting a renewed focus on the prevention of ill-health. With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children. It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life and I encourage everyone to put forward their views.”

Statistics show that over two-thirds of 10- to 17-year-olds and a quarter of 6- to 9-year-olds consume energy drinks.