MPs snub May ban on sale of energy drinks to teens

THERE is not enough evidence for Theresa May’s plan to ban the sale of energy drinks to children and teenagers, MPs will say today.

Current statistics and science do not support a bar on the high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages for the under16s, they add in a report.

However, it ‘might be legitimate’ to go ‘beyond the evidence’ and impose a legal limit based on the concerns of teachers, say the MPs.

The all-party science and technology committee backed the ban by some schools on the drinks and the voluntary bar by most supermarkets on their sale to the under-16s. Chairman Norman Lamb MP said: ‘We support voluntary bans by retailers, many of whom have recognised the negative impact associated with such products.’

He called for independent research on energy drinks to assess if they are more harmful than other soft beverages.

Critics claim they fuel obesity and disruptive or risky behaviour which harms learning and sleep.

The Prime Minister unveiled her proposal in August following concern from health campaigners and schools.