ADPH welcomes the Government’s decision to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 in England

We have welcomed the Government’s decision to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16 in England.

The ban follows a Government consultation, which we submitted a response to, alongside other public health organisations, businesses, and members of the public, calling for the implementation of the ban.

The new legislation, which will come into effect in April 2027, will apply to any high-caffeinated drink, beside tea and coffee, and will cover sales in all retail settings such as shops, vending machines, and online spaces.

Welcoming the ban, Sarah Muckle, ADPH Policy Co-Lead for Children and Young People, and Director of Public Health for Essex County Council, said:

“Every child deserves a healthy childhood and to grow up in an environment that supports their wellbeing, and today’s decision is a significant step toward achieving this. Energy drinks carry consequences for children’s physical and mental health, including tooth decay, sleep disruption, and an increased risk of high blood pressure.

“By putting this ban into effect, these products will no longer be so easily accessible to our young people, giving them greater freedom to grow up without their harms. This is especially important for children living in our most deprived communities, who are too often unfairly impacted by the health harms of these products.”