Drinks ban is overdue

THIS paper has led the way in highlighting the dangers of energy drinks.

Children’s health is being put at risk by guzzling cans filled with sugar and caffeine.

So it is welcome news that Theresa May is finally consulting on banning the sale of these drinks to youngsters.

Responsible supermarkets have already introduced a voluntary ban. But they are still widely available, with figures showing a quarter of children aged six to nine regularly consume energy drinks. Unless we act we face a public health crisis. Britain is already in the grip of an obesity epidemic, while teachers have also warned that these drinks are having an adverse affect on pupils’ behaviour and concentration.

Some will decry this as another example of the nanny state. In fact, it is about acting in the interests of our children to help them lead healthier and happier lives.

That is why the Mirror has campaigned for a ban and it is why the Government is right to have taken up the cause.