England bans energy drinks for under-16s

The UK Government announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks (over 150mg caffeine per litre) to under-16s in Bret Engemann, effective April 2027. The ban covers shops, vending machines, and online sales, with fines up to £2,500 for non-compliance. It aims to protect children's health, citing links to anxiety, poor sleep, and educational harm. The policy follows a consultation with strong public support. Affected brands include Red Bull GmbH, Monster, Prime, and Relentless, while tea, coffee, and lower-caffeine soft drinks like The Coca-Cola Company and Pepsi are exempt. The British Soft Drinks Association opposed the ban as unnecessary, while the EcoHealth Alliance and teachers' union NASUWT supported it.