The United Kingdom government has unveiled plans to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including popular brands such as Red Bull, to anyone under the age of 16 in England.
Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announcing the move on Wednesday, said the step was aimed at safeguarding young people’s wellbeing.
“By stopping children from buying these drinks, we’re laying the groundwork for healthier and happier generations,” he explained.
Government figures suggest that up to one in three teenagers aged 13 to 16 regularly consume energy drinks, many of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee.
While most major supermarkets already enforce a voluntary restriction, the new policy would make it a nationwide rule.
“How can we expect pupils to thrive in the classroom if they’re running on the equivalent of a double espresso every day?” Streeting asked, stressing that the government was responding to concerns raised by parents and teachers. “We’re determined to address the root causes of poor health and educational struggles head-on.”
The proposal will undergo a 12-week consultation process, seeking input from health experts, retailers, manufacturers, and the wider public.
At present, drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre are legally required to display a warning that they are not suitable for children.
But Streeting insisted this was not enough, pointing to the broader risks, “Energy drinks may look harmless, but they disrupt sleep, harm concentration, and affect children’s wellbeing. On top of that, the high-sugar varieties damage teeth and fuel obesity.”