England to Ban High-Caffeine Energy Drinks for Under-16s

The UK Government has announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16 in England from April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.

Under the proposed legislation, the ban will apply to drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre and will cover sales in shops, vending machines and online. Tea and coffee-based drinks will not be included.

The government says the measure is designed to improve children’s health and wellbeing by reducing access to products associated with excessive caffeine consumption. According to government figures, around 100,000 children in England consume high-caffeine energy drinks every day.

Evidence cited by ministers links regular consumption of these drinks with poor sleep, anxiety, behavioural issues, reduced concentration and poorer educational outcomes in children and young people.

Many major supermarkets have already introduced voluntary policies preventing the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. However, the new legislation would create a consistent legal age restriction across all retailers if approved by Parliament.

The government says the move forms part of its wider strategy to improve children’s health and support preventative public health measures.

For professionals working across health, education and children’s services, the announcement reinforces the growing emphasis on prevention and the role that diet, nutrition and lifestyle choices can play in supporting young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Key facts

• Proposed start date: April 2027 (subject to parliamentary approval).
• Applies to drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre.
• Covers sales in shops, vending machines and online.
• Tea and coffee-based drinks are excluded.
• Government estimates around 100,000 children consume high-caffeine energy drinks daily in England.

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