The government is proposing a ban on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to children in order to “protect their physical and mental health”.
Under the proposals, part of its Plan for Change, the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks (containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre) to under-16s will be illegal. The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
According to government estimates, around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and it warns of growing evidence linking high-caffeine energy drinks to harmful effects on children, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.
A consultation on delivery of the ban will run for twelve weeks, closing on 26 November 2025, gathering evidence from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement authorities and the public.
Announcing the plans, Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on. By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
The government noted that many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but “research suggests some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children, highlighting the need for a consistent approach that protects our children and is fairer for industry”.
Commenting on the consultation, Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman welcomed potential clarity but urged communication to shoppers.
“The majority of convenience stores already have a voluntary age restriction in place on energy drinks, and will welcome the clarity of regulation on this issue. Our members have a longstanding track record of enforcing age restricted sales on different products, but it is essential that the Government effectively communicates the details of the ban to consumers to avoid the risk of confrontation in stores.”
British Soft Drinks Association director general, Gavin Partington, said: “Our members have led the way in self regulation through our long-standing energy drinks Code of Practice. Our members do not market or promote the sale of energy drinks to under 16s and label all high-caffeine beverages as ‘not recommended for children’, in line with and in the spirit of this Code. As with all government policy, it’s essential that any forthcoming regulation is based on a rigorous assessment of the evidence that’s available.”
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