Red Bull, the drink that smells of student parties, has always been a popular tipple for teenagers. Whether it's cans of Monster in the park or a tin of Rockstar to get through exam revision, young people and energy drinks seemingly go hand in hand.
However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly pledged to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s after a Department of Health consultation on how energy drinks are damaging the health of youngsters.
There are fears that the drinks could be a factor in increasing obesity levels amongst the age group.
It is legal for children to buy drinks with a caffeine content higher than 150mg per litre, although the packaging must carry a warning label stating they are not recommended for children.
The Government has stated that "recent evidence shows that more than two thirds of UK children aged 10-17, and nearly a quarter of those aged 6-9, are energy drink consumers."
In a letter leaked to The Sun , Matt Hancock reportedly said: "Following a high level of interest in the consultation, we plan on announcing that we will be ending the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16."
He reportedly said he is "taking a precautionary approach to mitigate the potential negative effects associated with their excessive consumption by children".
Last year, major supermarkets voluntarily agreed to only sell the drinks to customers 16 or over. Asda, Aldi, the Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose will ask for ID if the customers looks under 16.
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