May’s ban on energy drinks ‘too extreme’

A BAN on selling energy drinks to children was condemned as ‘draconian’ yesterday.

The Government was also accused of bowing to pressure from campaigners such as Jamie Oliver, who had lobbied for a ban on sales to youngsters.

Christopher Snowdon, from the Institute of Economic Affairs, asked why action was being taken against energy drinks but not against other high-caffeine, high-sugar products.

He said: ‘Banning 17-year-olds from buying lemonade or coffee would strike most reasonable people as crazy, so what is special about energy drinks?

‘The amount of caffeine in these drinks is less than would be found in a standard cup of coffee. While there might be health or behavioural problems associated with very young children consuming caffeine, criminalising the sale to 16 and 17-yearolds is unnecessary and draconian.’

He added: ‘Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has recently made an issue of energy drinks and it seems that the Government is once again dancing to his tune.’

Under the 12-week consultation, which begins today, the Government will suggest all drinks with more than 150 microgrammes of caffeine a litre should be banned from sale to children. Red Bull contains 320mg of caffeine a litre, but Coca-Cola would not breach the limit.