The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks—including well-known brands like Red Bull—to anyone under the age of 16 in England.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting unveiled the policy on Wednesday, describing it as a step to protect young people’s health and wellbeing.
“By stopping children from buying these drinks, we’re laying the groundwork for healthier and happier generations,” he said.
Government data shows that one in three teenagers aged 13 to 16 regularly consume energy drinks, many of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee.
While many supermarkets already enforce voluntary age restrictions, the new rule will make the ban legally binding across the country.
“How can we expect pupils to thrive in the classroom if they’re running on the equivalent of a double espresso every day?” Streeting asked, adding that parents and teachers had long raised concerns about the drinks’ impact on learning and health.
The government says the measure is part of its wider effort to tackle the root causes of poor health and educational struggles among young people.
