Bid to ban sales of energy drinks sales to under-16s

RETAILERS will be banned from selling energy drinks to under-16s under plans to reduce their harmful effects on children, the Government has said.

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

It would make it illegal to provide youngsters with energy drinks containing more than 150mg caffeine per litre.

It will apply across online retailers, shops, restaurants, cafes and also to vending machines.

Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales but around 100,000 children are thought to consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day.

Obesity

Some of the beverages are also high in sugar and the move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children.