UK moves to introduce bill to ban underage purchase of energy drinks
In March 2018, Energy Drink Mania covered the news about the UK considering a ban on energy drink sales to minors: UK Considering Ban on Energy Drink Sales to Minors. As a follow-up, the UK government has now officially announced its policy to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to minors, drawing significant attention.
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Flavor of Government-Imposed Energy Drink Ban
In March, major UK retailers (mainly large chain stores) voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to minors under 16.
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This time, the UK government has taken a step further, citing concerns over the caffeine and sugar content in energy drinks and deciding that sales should be regulated.
Currently, the government is gathering public opinion on whether the minimum purchase age should be set at 18, like tobacco and alcohol, or kept at 16, in line with the voluntary restrictions already implemented by retailers. Based on the feedback, a bill will be submitted to Parliament.
Energy Drinks with 150mg of Caffeine per Liter to Be Restricted
The proposed ban targets energy drinks containing 150mg or more of caffeine per liter—the same threshold that retailers have already used for voluntary sales restrictions.
For reference, a 250ml can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine, making it subject to the ban. Naturally, other major energy drinks like Monster, Rockstar, and Relentless would also fall under these regulations.
Concerns Over Energy Drink Consumption Among Young Children in the UK
According to a study by the European Food Safety Authority, more than two-thirds of 10- to 17-year-olds consume energy drinks, with 12% drinking them regularly—four to five days a week. The average monthly intake is reported to be seven liters.
Shockingly, nearly a quarter of children aged 6 to 9 are also consuming energy drinks. This percentage is notably high even within Europe. It’s hard to believe that such young children are drinking them, and if this is true, parental responsibility seems like the bigger issue here.
If the bill passes, energy drinks could become as restricted as alcohol and tobacco. If stricter regulations are enforced, the purchase ban may extend to those under 16. The world is now closely watching how the UK’s decision unfolds.
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Author: Energy Drink-kun
In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.
Since 2001, Energy Drink Maniac has been drinking energy drinks and providing the most detailed reviews of global energy drinks based on firsthand research.
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The collection includes approximately 7,000 types of energy drinks from different countries, sizes, and designs.