July 17, 2026, 12:26 p.mJuly 17, 2026, 12:26 p.m
In England, the sale of energy drinks to children and young people under the age of 16 will be banned next year. The law, which will come into force in April 2027, applies to drinks that contain more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter, the government announced.
Tea and coffee are excluded. The sales ban therefore covers all retail environments, such as shops, vending machines and online shipping.
“Caffeine-rich energy drinks do not belong in the hands of children,” said Public Health MP Sharon Hodgson. “We know that thousands of children in England use them every day, but the evidence is clear that it can cause anxiety, affect their sleep and concentration and have a detrimental impact on their education.”
Lower caffeine soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi are not affected, the PA news agency reported. Criticism comes from an industry association, which pointed out that its members had committed themselves since 2010 not to market energy drinks to under-16s or to promote their sale to them. (sda/dpa)