Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England

Source: BBC

Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England

3 September 2025

Michelle RobertsDigital health editor, BBC News

The government is planning a new law in England to stop anyone under the age of 16 buying energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime from shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online.

Up to a third of UK children are thought to consume these types of drinks every week, despite most supermarkets having already introduced a voluntary ban.

Some popular drinks contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee. Excessive consumption is linked to headaches and sleep problems.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme the government had "been called upon" to act by parents, teachers and children.

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c707074qdnko