UK proposes energy drinks ban for children

The government of the United Kingdom has proposed banning children from buying energy drinks following concerns about the impact on their health.

Energy drinks, which contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, have been linked to obesity and other health issues. The government has launched a public consultation on its plans to make it illegal to sell the drinks to children.

Research has suggested that British children are among the highest consumers of energy drinks in Europe. The government is asking for views on what age the ban should apply to, but gave under 16 and under 18 as options.

Energy drinks have been linked to stomach aches, hyperactivity, obesity, tooth decay, sleeping problems, irritation and tiredness. There have also been strong calls from parents, health professionals, teachers and some industry bodies and retailers for an end to sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to children.

The ban would apply to brands such as Red Bull, Monster and Relentless that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per liter.

One 250-milliliter can of red bull contains 80 milligrams of caffeine — equivalent to nearly three cans of cola.

Shops that ignore the ban would face fines of up to 2,500 pounds ($3,250), the same penalty for selling cigarettes to under-18s.

Many larger retailers and supermarkets have already voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to under-16s.

The consultation is part of the government’s broader obesity strategy, drawn up in response to concerns about the impact of overweight people on the NHS.

Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: “We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education, and 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 percent more of these drinks than our European counterparts, and teachers have made worrying links between energy drinks and poor behavior in the classroom.”

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces, and 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.”