The UK Government has announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16 in England from April 2027, pending parliamentary approval. The measure is designed to protect young people's health and wellbeing by limiting access to drinks linked to negative physical and mental health effects.

Under the proposed rules, beverages containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre will no longer be sold to under-16s. The ban will apply to purchases made in supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and online platforms.

Popular energy drink brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless and Prime Energy are expected to fall under the restriction, while lower-caffeine soft drinks including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero and Pepsi will remain available for younger consumers.

Retailers will be required to verify customers' ages before selling restricted energy drinks. Businesses that fail to comply with the new law could face fines of up to £2,500.

Government officials say the decision is backed by evidence showing that around 100,000 children in England consume high-caffeine energy drinks every day. Research has linked excessive caffeine intake among young people to sleep disruption, anxiety, poor concentration and reduced academic performance.

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said the ban is intended to reduce children's access to products that may negatively affect their health, education and overall wellbeing. She described the move as part of the government's wider strategy to create a healthier future for young people.

The proposal follows several other child protection initiatives, including plans to introduce stricter social media restrictions for teenagers, with ministers arguing that both policies will help improve children's mental health, sleep quality and online safety.

However, the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) has criticised the proposal, arguing that the legislation is unnecessary. The industry body noted that its members have voluntarily avoided marketing high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s since 2010 and already display warning labels stating that the products are not recommended for children. It also argued that most caffeine consumed by children comes from sources other than energy drinks.

If approved by Parliament, the ban will take effect in April 2027, making England one of the latest countries to introduce stricter age restrictions on high-caffeine energy drink sales.