UK Bans High-Caffeine Energy Drinks for Under-16s

The Government of the United Kingdom will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 in England starting in April 2027. Announced on July 16 by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education, the legislation targets beverages containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. This includes brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime, but excludes tea, coffee, and lower-caffeine soft drinks.

The ban applies to shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines, and online sales. Businesses found in breach of the rules face fines of up to £2,500, with enforcement managed by local authorities. The measure will be implemented via secondary legislation under the Food Safety Act 1990 as part of a broader health package that includes the extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy and new restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy foods.

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson and Education Minister Olivia Bailey stated the move aims to combat anxiety, sleep disruption, and poor academic performance among the estimated 100,000 children who consume these drinks daily. While the NASUWT teachers' union and the Obesity Health Alliance welcomed the policy, the British Soft Drinks Association called the ban unnecessary, arguing that its own voluntary code of practice is sufficient.