AQW 5625/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health what consideration he is giving to a full ban on the sale of energy drinks to people aged under 16, in line with proposals in existence since 2019 for both England and Scotland.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 6 February 2024
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 6 February 2024
- Answer due by
- 21 February 2024
- Answered
- 8 February 20242 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
In the UK, there are no legal age restrictions on the sale of any caffeine containing food and beverages, including energy drinks. In 2018, the UK government consulted on the introduction of a proposed ban on selling energy drinks to children. To date the results of the consultation have not been published and there has been no further development on this policy. However, many larger retailers and supermarkets have voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to under 16s.