Wales plans to ban energy drink sales to under-16s
The Welsh government intends to restrict sales of high-caffeine drinks to children, while industry groups question the evidence behind the move.
Key points
- The Welsh government intends to prohibit sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, subject to a consultation.
- Drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre would be covered.
- A similar ban in England starts from April.
- The British Soft Drinks Association says the evidence does not support the proposal.
The Welsh government is moving toward a rule that would stop under-16s from purchasing drinks with high caffeine levels. According to BBC News, ministers say the latest evidence indicates a connection between these drinks and poorer health in young people. The plan remains subject to a public consultation.
Public and Preventative Health Minister Nerys Evans said children who consume them may experience more headaches, irritability, tiredness and stomach aches. She added that sleep could be shorter and poorer, and that anxiety, stress and depression could become more likely. Evans said the previous administration had already gathered views on a similar restriction, with broad backing for action.
The proposed rule would cover drinks other than tea or coffee that have more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. The consultation will ask people for their views on how enforcement should work. Questions include online age checks, how compliance would be measured, possible penalties, the timing of introduction and how the rules would be monitored.
A similar ban in England
The Welsh move comes after England announced a ban. Starting in April, sales of Red Bull, Monster, Relentless and Prime to under-16s will be prohibited.
The English rule applies to shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online sales. Lower-caffeine soft drinks, tea and coffee fall outside it, including the likes of Diet Coke.
The England measure aims to tackle obesity, sleep problems and anxiety among young people. Several widely sold brands have caffeine content higher than two coffees or four colas. Drinks above the 150mg threshold already carry a warning label stating they are not advised for children, pregnant women or those breastfeeding.
Views from young people and experts
Caffeine at high levels can cause a fast heartbeat, irregular heart rhythms and seizures. Deaths have been linked to excess caffeine, although such cases are uncommon. Specialists say younger people may react more strongly to caffeine, given their smaller size and developing brains.
BBC Wales spoke to young people in Cardiff, and several backed the proposal. A 17-year-old said it was easy to become dependent on the drinks. Vee, 17, from Cardiff, welcomed the idea. Sunny, 16, told people a coffee would be a better choice.
Nutritionist Aisling Pigott, a registered dietitian in Cardiff, welcomed the plan but said it was probably about ten years late. She said it would not be a complete solution but called it a step in the right direction. Pigott also raised concern that some young people drink these products instead of eating balanced meals.
Industry response
The British Soft Drinks Association described the proposal as unnecessary. In its view, the evidence for overconsumption or harm is not strong enough to back it. The trade body also said its members have avoided marketing energy drinks to under-16s since 2010.
The association argued that most caffeine taken in by children and teenagers originates from other products rather than energy drinks. Separately, the Association of UK Dieticians has warned that sugary versions can add to obesity and harm to teeth. Up to 400mg a day is considered acceptable for most grown-ups, which is around the amount in four mugs of instant coffee or five of tea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Welsh government proposing?
Ministers intend to make it illegal for children under 16 to be sold high-caffeine energy drinks. The plan is still open to a public consultation on how it would be enforced.
Which drinks would be affected?
Products other than tea or coffee with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre would fall under the rule. Lower-caffeine soft drinks, tea and coffee are not included.
Is England already introducing a similar ban?
Yes. As BBC News reports, from April sales of these beverages to under-16s will be prohibited in England.
Sources
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