Why it’s about to be harder for teenagers to buy energy drinks

Health & FitnessLifestyle
3 Sep 2025 • 5:51 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The Labour government has announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England.
  • The ban aims to prevent childhood obesity, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and poor school performance, citing the harmful effects of high caffeine and sugar content.
  • Drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime, containing over 150mg of caffeine per litre, will be illegal to sell to anyone under 16.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that these drinks negatively impact children's sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing, contributing to poor health and educational attainment.
  • A 12-week consultation period will now commence to gather evidence from health and education experts, retailers, manufacturers, and the public before the ban is implemented.

IN FULL