England bans high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s

The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16 in England, a measure set to take effect in April 2027. The decision, confirmed on July 16, 2026, follows a public consultation and aims to protect an estimated 100,000 children who consume such drinks daily, a practice linked to negative impacts on physical and mental health as well as education.

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson stated that high-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children's hands, citing evidence that they can cause anxiety, disrupt sleep, impair concentration, and harm educational outcomes. The ban will apply to drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter, excluding tea and coffee. It will cover all retail settings, including shops, vending machines, and online sales, though business-to-business sales are exempt. Retailers will be responsible for enforcing the age restriction, with local authorities tasked with enforcement and fines of up to 2,500 pounds for violations.

The policy received strong support during a consultation that gathered nearly 1,100 responses from businesses, public health organizations, enforcement...