The Government has launched a public consultation on plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to children.
Energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, linked to obesity and other health issues, the consultation claims.
The consultation asks for views on what age the ban should apply to, with under 16 and under 18 as options.
‘We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education,’ Public Health Minister, Steve Brine, said.
‘We know that drinks packed to the brim with caffeine, and often sugar, are becoming a common fixture of their diet.
‘Our children already consume 50% more of these drinks than our European counterparts.
‘Teachers have made worrying links between energy drinks and poor behaviour in the classroom.’
‘Greatest health challenge’
A ban would apply to any drinks that contain 150mg of caffeine or more per litre.
Soft drinks currently carry warnings on their high caffeine content and they’re not recommended for children or pregnant women.
Many retailers have already introduced their own voluntary ban on the sale of energy drinks to children.
‘Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces,’ Prime Minister Theresa May said.
‘That’s why we are taking significant action to reduce the amounts of sugar consumed by young people and to help families make healthier choices.
‘With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children.
‘It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life.
‘I encourage everyone to put forward their views.’
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