Government launch consultation on the ban of sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to children
The government have announced the launch of a new consultation on a proposed ban of sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
The ban will aim to reduce the negative impact of high-caffeine and sugary energy drinks, looking specifically to reduce the effects on children’s physical and mental health, sleep quality, and educational outcomes.
Action on Salt and Sugar have welcomed the news of the consultation, with figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) predicting the plans could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children. The plans could also create exponential health benefits, namely through reduced exposure to, and consumption of, the high levels of sugar within caffeinated energy drink products.
Mounting evidence has shown energy drink consumption occurs within more deprived areas of the UK and reports predict around 100,000 children are consuming at least one high caffeine energy drink per day. A ban on sales therefore could also potentially help reduce health inequalities and create an early health intervention for children.
Responding to the news, Kawther Hashem, Head of Research and Impact at Action on Sugar, based at Queen Mary University of London said: “We strongly welcome the government’s consultation on an age-of-sale ban for high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s. These drinks are unnecessary, harmful, and should never have been so easily available to children.
"The free sugars in these products increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay, while the high caffeine content can harm young people’s mental health and wellbeing. By ensuring the ban applies across vending machines and convenience stores, the government has the chance to close loopholes and make this policy effective.
"This is an important step in protecting children’s health, particularly those in more deprived communities who face the highest risk of diet-related illness. But success will ultimately depend on proper enforcement so that this ban delivers the safeguarding children urgently need."
The consultation will close on 26th November 2025 and can be accessed via the government website.
