England to ban sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s from April

Children under 16 in England will be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks from April 2026, the UK government has announced, following a public consultation in which more than 1,100 responses strongly backed an age restriction [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg0jxkpno). The rules, announced by Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson, will make it illegal to sell drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to children and younger teenagers in shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online. Popular brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless and Prime would breach the limit, while lower-caffeine soft drinks such as Diet Coke and tea and coffee are unaffected [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg0jxkpno). The government says the ban aims to curb childhood obesity and reduce problems linked to excessive caffeine intake, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and lower school attainment. Around 100,000 children in England are estimated to consume energy drinks every day, and some popular products contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee or four cans of cola [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg0jxkpno). Experts welcomed the move. Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, called restricting sales to children "at a vital time in their life" common sense. The British Soft Drinks Association said the ban was "unnecessary," noting its members have since 2010 committed not to market the drinks to under-16s and that high-caffeine beverages already carry a "not recommended for children" label [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg0jxkpno). The ban, subject to parliamentary approval and enforced by local authorities with fines of up to £2,500 for non-compliant businesses, will be introduced through secondary legislation under the Food Safety Act 1990. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are also considering similar restrictions [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg0jxkpno). *Source Reporters corrects errors promptly. Report corrections to corrections@sourcereporters.com.*