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.

Official sources