Story perspectives

UK to Ban High-Caffeine Energy Drinks for Under-16s

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

British government will ban the sale of energy drinks with over 150 mg caffeine per litre to anyone under 16 in England, subject to parliamentary approval.
Ministers estimate 100,000 children drink these daily and link them to sleep disruption, anxiety and reduced concentration.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson and Dental Association chair Eddie Crouch said the ban could prevent obesity in 40,000 children and curb sugar and acidity damage to teeth.

History

Historical Context

The UK Government introduced the Soft Drinks Industry Levy on 6 April 2018, taxing sugary drinks by sugar content. Within a year the levy raised £336 million and spurred soft-drink producers to reformulate, cutting average sugar by about 10 percent. Today’s proposed caffeine limit follows that precedent, aiming to curb harmful additives in children’s beverages.

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Story summary

British government will ban the sale of energy drinks with over 150 mg caffeine per litre to anyone under 16 in England, subject to parliamentary approval.
Ministers estimate 100,000 children drink these daily and link them to sleep disruption, anxiety and reduced concentration.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson and Dental Association chair Eddie Crouch said the ban could prevent obesity in 40,000 children and curb sugar and acidity damage to teeth.

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