Sharon Hodgson announced under-16 energy drink restrictions in England from April next year, banning high-caffeine sales to children under 16 in shops, vending machines and online. The rules will cover drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, but not tea or coffee.
The government said about 100,000 children across the country drink the drinks daily. Hodgson said, “High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children’s hands.” She also said, “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.”
Sharon Hodgson and England
The ban follows a public consultation involving businesses, public health organisations and members of the public. The government said the consultation found strong support for an age restriction, and it said the policy would improve children’s health, combat childhood obesity and help support parents.
Retailers will have to make sure they are not selling the drinks to under-16s once the ban takes effect, and local authorities will enforce the rules. Businesses that break the law face fines of up to £2,500.
Katharine Jenner and the Obesity Health Alliance
Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the ban was vital to protect children in more deprived communities. She said, “This is a hugely popular policy, backed by parents, health professionals and the public, and a vital step towards protecting children’s health.”
She also said, “Strong evidence links high-caffeine energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, reduced concentration and harm to learning and wellbeing – restricting sales to children at a vital time in their life is just common sense.” The government said children in more deprived areas and households are more likely to consume the drinks, while the drinks are increasingly popular in playgrounds and promoted by online influencers.
