Energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, contain high levels of caffeine, which is a stimulant. They have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years, especially with young people, with many clubbers mixing them with alcohol. UK youngsters are among the highest consumers of energy drinks in Europe, research has previously suggested.
The UK government has proposed banning children from consuming energy drinks following concerns about their impact on health and obesity. A 12-week consultation period will hear a range of views about how the ban should be best applied. The restrictions will apply to drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, like popular brands Red Bull, Monster and Relentless.
Shops will be banned from selling Red Bull and other drinks “packed to the brim with caffeine” to teenagers, under plans announced by Theresa May. Speaking during her Africa tour, the Prime Minister said: “With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children.”
The consultation is part of the government’s broader obesity strategy, which was drawn up in response to concerns about the impact of overweight people on the National Health Service.
