Sale of energy drinks to under-16s

There have been efforts to reduce the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children. Many national retailers have already agreed not to sell these drinks to anyone under 16.

Government plans

The Government plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.

This is because these drinks can affect children’s:

• physical and mental health
• sleep quality
• learning outcomes

Parents and teachers support this change. It is part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

You can read more on the GOV UK website.

What Newcastle City Council is doing

We have asked shops in Newcastle to support the voluntary ban.

Retailers can show support by displaying a poster. Copies of the poster have been sent out.

If you haven’t received a poster, you can download it online.

Advice for retailers

If a customer looks under 16, ask for proof of age.

If they are under 16, do not sell them high-caffeine energy drinks.

For more guidance on preventing underage sales, visit the Business Companion website.

Contact us

Please contact us if you have not received your copy of the poster.

Trading Standards Service
Directorate of Housing and Communities 
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8QH

Email: tradingstandards@newcastle.gov.uk