Supermarket bans energy drink sales to under-16s

Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to introduce an age limit on sales of high caffeine energy drinks, as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver called for the UK government to issue a blanket ban on sale of the product to under-16s.

Customers buying caffeinated energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre will be asked to prove they are over 16 years of age from 5 March at Waitrose stores.

In an episode of Friday Night Feast, due to be aired tonight, TV cook Oliver will explore how energy drinks affect young people and call for a ban.

The Waitrose move builds on existing industry labelling guidelines, which require any soft drink with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to carry a high caffeine content warning and state it is not recommended for children.

According to the Food Standards Agency, energy drinks usually contain about 80mg of caffeine in a 250ml can – equivalent to three cans of cola.

Jenny Rosborough, campaign manager at pressure group Action on Sugar, said: “Energy drinks form no part of a healthy diet and the sale of them should be banned for under-16s as Waitrose has boldly done. It’s shocking that other retailers are yet to do the same.”