Labour pledges to ban high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s if they win the next election. The move aims to shield children from the health risks linked to these potent beverages.
What’s in the Ban?
- High-Caffeine Drinks Targeted: Labour plans to outlaw energy drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre for under-16s. These drinks will be banned from sale to youngsters.
- Popular Soft Drinks Safe: The ban won’t affect well-known soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Lucozade but will hit energy drinks and iced coffee products hard.
- Strict Enforcement: Retailers caught selling these drinks to under-16s will face penalties similar to current alcohol and tobacco laws.
- Adults Not Affected: Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting made it clear the ban is just for kids, leaving adult sales untouched.
- Extra Health Support: Labour also promises 100,000 more child dentistry appointments and increased mental health support in every school as part of their broader child health plan.
Labour Sounds the Alarm
Wes Streeting told the press, “It’s time for change.” He insists banning these dangerously high-caffeine energy drinks will help create a healthier future for young people right across the UK.
Why Parents and Experts Back It
Parents, teachers, and health pros have applauded the move, warning that too much caffeine can harm developing bodies. Labour’s ban is seen as a bold step to protect the UK’s next generation from hidden health risks.
