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

On 3rd Sept, the UK Govt announced a consultation long waited plans to ban the sale of Energy Drinks for children under the age of 16 in England only in shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online. A consultation will now run for 12 weeks to gather evidence for the ban, but no official date has been set as this time.

The Scottish Government has undergone extensive engagement with this issue and has repeatedly said that it has no intention of placing enforced restrictions on the sale of energy drinks in Scotland (SG decision).

To date, the Scottish Government has worked with business to improve self-regulation of this issue and is of the view that Energy Drinks are not intended for children, and especially under teens. However, the introduction of restrictions for the promotion of food & drink High in Fat, Sugar or Salt, are intended to reduce access to such products for the population in general.

SGF believes in responsible community retailing, and it is our understanding that the vast majority of retailers already self-regulate on this issue. Therefore, it is SGF’s current view that the Scottish Government has made the right decision to work with industry to self-regulate, rather than implement additional restrictions and bans. Adding to the administrative and regulatory pressure on vital local business may put well-intentioned compliant businesses at risk.

SGF will continue to monitor the situation in England and engage with the Scottish Government on this issue as it progresses.

You can read the consultation in full here.