Ending the sale of energy drinks to children
The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped.
This consultation seeks views on a proposed ban on selling energy drinks to children.
It also asks for views on:
- what products should be included in any restrictions
- what age limit a ban should apply to
- whether sales of energy drinks from vending machines should be restricted
- whether there are any changes that would be more appropriate than a ban on sales to children or that could be applied as well as a ban
We are hearing strong calls from parents, health professionals, teachers and some industry bodies and retailers for an end to sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to children.
Energy drinks are soft drinks that contain higher levels of caffeine than other soft drinks, and may also contain a lot of sugar. Evidence suggests that excessive consumption of energy drinks by children is linked to negative health outcomes such as headaches, sleeping problems, irritation and tiredness.
Many larger retailers and supermarkets have voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to under-16s.
While we recognise the efforts of retailers who have already acted, there are still many retailers who continue to sell these drinks to children.
An equality assessment was carried out ahead of this consultation.
The government has also published the methodology of the DHSC calorie model.