The United Kingdom government has unveiled plans to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, to anyone under the age of 16 in England. This legislative move aims to safeguard the well-being of young people by reducing their consumption of beverages containing excessive caffeine levels.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the initiative, highlighting concerns that up to one in three teenagers aged 13 to 16 regularly consume energy drinks, many of which have caffeine content exceeding two cups of coffee. The proposed ban will extend across all retail settings, including shops, online platforms, restaurants, cafes, vending machines, and delivery services.
The government cited mounting evidence linking high energy drink consumption among children to disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and deteriorating academic performance. Officials estimate that enforcing the ban could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children, contributing tens of millions of dollars in public health benefits.
The move is supported by health organizations, educators, and parents who have raised alarms about the negative effects of high-sugar and high-caffeine drinks on young people’s health and learning abilities. Drinks with lower caffeine levels, like tea, coffee, and cola, will not be affected.
Currently, many major supermarkets already impose voluntary restrictions on sales to minors, but this ban would formalize and standardize age limits across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which are considering similar measures.
The government has opened a 12-week consultation period to gather feedback from stakeholders and the public before finalizing the legislation.