Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England from April

• From April 2025, retailers in England will be legally prohibited from selling high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, with non-compliance carrying potential penalties
• Lower-caffeine soft drinks remain unaffected by the ban, allowing continued sale to minors but creating need for clear product classification in practice
• GPs should be aware of this legislation when counselling young patients and families about energy drink consumption and associated health risks (sleep disruption, palpitations, anxiety)

It will be illegal to sell high-caffeine beverages to under-16s from April next year, but soft drinks with lower caffeine levels will not be affected.

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