Energy drinks could be banned for sale to children under Scottish Government plans published today.
It follows health fears over high-caffeine products blamed for giving children headaches, stomach aches and sleep problems.
Research suggests a third of young people drink the highly stimulating products frequently or in large amounts, the government said.
Around one in 10 under-16s drink them every day - with some having three or more in one sitting.
A similar ban was announced in England in summer in the final days of Theresa May’s administration.
Council leisure centres have already banned drinks such as Monster and Red Bull from sale on their premises.
Scottish Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Sleep is particularly important for the health and wellbeing of adolescents and poor sleep can negatively affect physical and mental health, as well as educational attainment.
“I welcome the leadership shown by many retailers and publicly funded leisure centres in banning the sales of energy drinks to under 16s. This builds on regulations in place in schools and hospitals.”
Responses to the new consultation will inform the government’s proposal for the mandatory sales restriction of energy drinks with more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre.
