Key Summary
- UK government is banning the sale of high‑caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s in England.
- This will be effective from April 2027.
- The policy follows a public consultation that drew almost 1,100 responses.
The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of high‑caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s in England, taking effect in April 2027.
The measure targets beverages (excluding tea and coffee) containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre, and covers instore, vending machine and online retail transactions. Sales between businesses are not included.
It is estimated that around 100,000 children in England drink energy drinks high in caffeine every day and evidence suggests this can negatively impact their physical and mental health, as well as their education.
Children living in more deprived areas and households are more likely to consume these drinks, increasing health risks and impairing their learning.
Public Health Minister, Sharon Hodgson, said: “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.
“This ban will reduce children’s opportunity to buy drinks that are harmful to their health and wellbeing and demonstrates our firm commitment to creating the healthiest generation of children ever.”
The policy follows a public consultation that drew almost 1,100 responses from industry, public health groups, enforcement agencies and members of the public, with broad support for an age restriction.
The government frames the move as part of a wider strategy to tackle childhood obesity and improve children’s health, following previous steps such as tighter restrictions on junk food advertising on TV and online.
Under the new rules, retailers will be responsible for checking customers’ ages before selling qualifying drinks. Local authorities will handle enforcement, and businesses found selling to under‑16s could face fines of up to £2,500.
This consultation is part of a series of measures by this government to improve child health, combat childhood obesity and help support parents to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.
In January, the government imposed curbs on television and online junk food advertisements.
