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The UK government is set to ban the sale of energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and Prime for anyone under 16 in England. This new law targets purchases in shops, cafes, vending machines, and online, addressing concerns about the effects of caffeine and sugar on children.

 

Many UK supermarkets have already voluntarily imposed age restrictions, yet up to a third of children consume these drinks weekly. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the negative impact on health and learning and responded to calls from parents, teachers, and students.

 

The drinks often contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee, with risks of headaches, sleep problems, rapid heart rates, and even seizures. The sugary versions add to worries about tooth decay and obesity, with The Association of UK Dieticians highlighting these risks.

 

A 12-week consultation will gather insights from health experts, the public, and industry retailers. Though a specific date for the ban is undecided, Streeting assured me it would be implemented soon. The government is keen to curb marketing tactics that target young people through influencers and social media.

 

Jamie Oliver and other advocates have long warned about the disruptive effects of energy drinks on children. Despite current warning labels on high-caffeine drinks, experts point out young people's increased sensitivity to caffeine due to their developing bodies, reported the BBC.

 

Previous plans for a ban by the Conservative government in 2022 were abandoned, citing personal choice as a factor. However, Streeting argues that stricter measures are necessary for children's well-being, noting the ease with which they purchase energy drinks.

 

Experts like Prof Steve Turner and Prof Amelia Lake support the ban, viewing it as a step toward healthier diets for children. Their research underscores the mental and physical health issues linked to these drinks.

 

However, the British Soft Drinks Association, which has self-imposed regulations, calls for evidence-based policy-making. Other UK regions, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, are considering similar bans.

 

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-04

 

 

Meh, a little caffeine never hurt anyone.

 

The real story is Big Brother telling you what you can and can't consume.

 

FIrst they come for the 'energy' drinks, next they come for your milkshakes and steaks.

 

But of course for Starbuxx and Costa it's bizness as usual.

 

Nothing to see here folks.

1 minute ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Meh, a little caffeine never hurt anyone.

 

The real story is Big Brother telling you what you can and can't consume.

 

FIrst they come for the 'energy' drinks, next they come for your milkshakes and steaks.

 

But of course for Starbuxx and Costa it's bizness as usual.

 

Nothing to see here folks.

The usual defense of corporate profits at cost to public health.

Ridiculous.

 

Left wing governments interfering in people's lives again. They can't help themselves.

 

We'll be having to report what we ate/drank next, to improve our social credit score. 

On 9/4/2025 at 4:45 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

The usual defense of corporate profits at cost to public health.

 

The usual defense of big state interference in people's lives. 

How do they expect kids to stay awake all night to revise for their exams/play online TikTok games (delete as appropriate)?

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

The usual defense of big state interference in people's lives. 

What does medical science have to say on the matter?:

 

https://fuse.ac.uk/news/energydrinksassociatedwithincreasedriskofmentalhealthissuesinchildren.html

45 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

What does medical science have to say on the matter?:

 

https://fuse.ac.uk/news/energydrinksassociatedwithincreasedriskofmentalhealthissuesinchildren.html

 

So are you proposing that the state bans children from eating everything that isn't 100% healthy? Maybe we could ban them from playing sports as it increases risk of injury, or with other children as that increases the risk of spreading disease or mental health issues from bullying?

 

Perhaps we could just keep them indoors on a strict diet of lentil soup until they are old enough to start paying tax to the state? Can't have the kids enjoying themselves. Could cost the NHS money. 

3 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

So are you proposing that the state bans children from eating everything that isn't 100% healthy? Maybe we could ban them from playing sports as it increases risk of injury, or with other children as that increases the risk of spreading disease or mental health issues from bullying?

 

Perhaps we could just keep them indoors on a strict diet of lentil soup until they are old enough to start paying tax to the state? Can't have the kids enjoying themselves. Could cost the NHS money. 

No, I am not proposing  the state bans children from eating everything that isn't 100% healthy.

 

That’s you fabricating a strawman argument.

 

 

On 9/4/2025 at 4:43 AM, Woke to Sounds said:

Meh, a little caffeine never hurt anyone.

 

The real story is Big Brother telling you what you can and can't consume.

 

FIrst they come for the 'energy' drinks, next they come for your milkshakes and steaks.

 

But of course for Starbuxx and Costa it's bizness as usual.

 

Nothing to see here folks.

Yep ... Nothing but control ... 👍

 

I was waiting for them to cancel beef, all that methane from the farting that they don't even do 

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

No, I am not proposing  the state bans children from eating everything that isn't 100% healthy.

 

That’s you fabricating a strawman argument.

 

 

 

Just on this specific occasion then.

 

Got it. 😃

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Yep ... Nothing but control ... 👍

 

I was waiting for them to cancel beef, all that methane from the farting that they don't even do 

I dono most teens are hyper without all the caffeine and sugar probably recive more health benefits from this than all of Mr brain worms ideas over here in the USA !

On 9/3/2025 at 10:43 PM, Woke to Sounds said:

Meh, a little caffeine never hurt anyone.

 

The real story is Big Brother telling you what you can and can't consume.

 

FIrst they come for the 'energy' drinks, next they come for your milkshakes and steaks.

 

But of course for Starbuxx and Costa it's bizness as usual.

 

Nothing to see here folks.

 

Wrong. There is plenty to see.

 

In the UK I once watched some overweight, minging Waynetta wedge five chubby kids into a wheezing old MPV. Clearly, these are the dim-witted targets of such policies - too lacking in intelligence or care to choose a healthy option for their own children. Too busy chain-smoking and shrieking abuse to notice, or perhaps they simply don’t give a damn. Most likely propped up by state handouts, squeezing every penny from family allowance cheques.

 

Their children need protecting from the galactic ignorance paraded by their parents. This isn’t “Big Brother” - it’s the bare minimum of public health...

8 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

So are you proposing that the state bans children from eating everything that isn't 100% healthy? Maybe we could ban them from playing sports as it increases risk of injury, or with other children as that increases the risk of spreading disease or mental health issues from bullying?

 

Perhaps we could just keep them indoors on a strict diet of lentil soup until they are old enough to start paying tax to the state? Can't have the kids enjoying themselves. Could cost the NHS money. 

 

But better still - perhaps we should begin by protecting the forum itself from outrageously moronic strawman arguments, before the rot of stupidity spreads any further... 

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Just on this specific occasion then.

 

Got it. 😃

Well no, not just on this specific occasion.

 

The state also has laws against children buying and consuming alcohol, Tobacco, Nicotine vapes, heroin, crack cocaine and a long list of other narcotics.

 

Stuff that is known to be harmful to their health.

 

Got it yet?

On 9/3/2025 at 3:45 PM, Chomper Higgot said:

The usual defense of corporate profits at cost to public health.

 

Why don't the UK gov't go after Starbuxx or Costa then?

 

Any kid under 16 can walk into those shops and buy a caffeine laden beverage -  no questions asked.

 

Can you see the psyop Chomps?

On 9/5/2025 at 6:55 AM, KhunLA said:

I was waiting for them to cancel beef, all that methane from the farting that they don't even do 

 

They are licking their chops - pardon the pun - to cancel beef and all meats.... just a matter of time.

 

They want you on the NWO death diet of cricket pancakes, mealworm stew. and soybean curd... but of course they'll have their prime rib, free range eggs and private jets.

 

Anyone here who's been back to North America can vouch for how much meats, cheese and dairy have risen in cost since Convid-19.

 

Do as I say   ... not as I do?

On 9/5/2025 at 9:45 AM, richard_smith237 said:

Their children need protecting from the galactic ignorance paraded by their parents. This isn’t “Big Brother” - it’s the bare minimum of public health...

 

If you think the state gives one iota about the health of children (or anyone else) then you in a whirled of hurt Smithy.

The world should ban those drinks for everyone. They are complete garbage and the human body doesnt adjust well to regular consumption of them

6 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

 

They are licking their chops - pardon the pun - to cancel beef and all meats.... just a matter of time.

 

They want you on the NWO death diet of cricket pancakes, mealworm stew. and soybean curd... but of course they'll have their prime rib, free range eggs and private jets.

 

Anyone here who's been back to North America can vouch for how much meats, cheese and dairy have risen in cost since Convid-19.

 

Do as I say   ... not as I do?

Meats yes. Cheese and dairy no. Eggs reasonable now

1 minute ago, angryguy said:

Meats yes. Cheese and dairy no. Eggs reasonable now

 

Okay I can accept that.

 

I'm getting regional reports from boots on the ground in North America.

 

Seems dairy and cheese and eggs in Canada have risen in price exorbitantly compared to the States.

 

Meat in both the US and Canada is much more expensive than before the Plandemic.

 

Meat is the #1 energizer food for humans.

 

The Elites know this and want to take it off the table (pardon the pun again)

3 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

 

Why don't the UK gov't go after Starbuxx or Costa then?

 

Any kid under 16 can walk into those shops and buy a caffeine laden beverage -  no questions asked.

 

Can you see the psyop Chomps?

Perhaps you should read up on the science I linked above.

On 9/5/2025 at 10:45 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Wrong. There is plenty to see.

 

In the UK I once watched some overweight, minging Waynetta wedge five chubby kids into a wheezing old MPV. Clearly, these are the dim-witted targets of such policies - too lacking in intelligence or care to choose a healthy option for their own children. Too busy chain-smoking and shrieking abuse to notice, or perhaps they simply don’t give a damn. Most likely propped up by state handouts, squeezing every penny from family allowance cheques.

 

Genuine question 

 

Do you really think banning energy drinks for under 16's, is going to change the above ?

 

Think about it.
 

Cannot buy an energy drink on Friday, birthday on Saturday, and can now vote from Monday if Labour get to lower the voting age.

 

The optics are stinking, and it shows a Government windmillling, throwing about legislation, because it is all they have.

 

Too thick to understand that you cannot legislate for stupidity.

1 hour ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Genuine question 

 

Do you really think banning energy drinks for under 16's, is going to change the above ?

 

Think about it.
 

Cannot buy an energy drink on Friday, birthday on Saturday, and can now vote from Monday if Labour get to lower the voting age.

 

The optics are stinking, and it shows a Government windmillling, throwing about legislation, because it is all they have.

 

Too thick to understand that you cannot legislate for stupidity.

 

The authorities 'have' to legislate for stupidity with such laws - its is because of the stupidity of many (and those I described) that the laws are necessary... 

... From stupid parents smoking in their cars with kids present...   to seatbelt laws etc etc - because stupid people will only respond to the fear of fines and not the common sense behind such legislation. 

 

Its why so many laws exist in the first place - to protect the stupid from themselves.

 

 

Your genuine question: Do I think it will change anything ?... Probably not because the Police are not interested, though it may encourage shop owners to be more careful who they sell 'energy drinks' to - though idiotic parents will still allow their kids to have them.

 

 

While I strongly disagree with much of what this current government (in the UK) is doing - passing such legislation is not a bad thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Drinks Outlawed in England

 

Better

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

The authorities 'have' to legislate for stupidity with such laws - its is because of the stupidity of many (and those I described) that the laws are necessary... 

... From stupid parents smoking in their cars with kids present...   to seatbelt laws etc etc - because stupid people will only respond to the fear of fines and not the common sense behind such legislation. 

 

Legislation/ Laws are only as good as the people that follow / Abide by them.

 

900 arrests in London this weekend. Says you cannot fix stupid.

 

A growing obesity problem in the UK. Says you cannot fix stupid.

 

There is no common sense in banning energy drinks for under 16's. The rot has well and truly set in by then.

 

The answer lies, not in an empty stable after the horse has bolted. But how do we instill good parenting from birth.

 

6 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

ts why so many laws exist in the first place - to protect the stupid from themselves.

 

Seems to be working a treat in the UK. Prisons at bursting point. Prisoners being released early, and some being released super early, suggests that that those laws are not protecting the stupid from themselves.

 

Laws are not there to protect the stupid. They are there to provide a harmonious society and punish those that have no wish to be harmonious, by being criminals.

 

10 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Legislation/ Laws are only as good as the people that follow / Abide by them.

 

900 arrests in London this weekend. Says you cannot fix stupid.

 

A growing obesity problem in the UK. Says you cannot fix stupid.

 

There is no common sense in banning energy drinks for under 16's. The rot has well and truly set in by then.

 

The answer lies, not in an empty stable after the horse has bolted. But how do we instill good parenting from birth.

 

 

Seems to be working a treat in the UK. Prisons at bursting point. Prisoners being released early, and some being released super early, suggests that that those laws are not protecting the stupid from themselves.

 

Laws are not there to protect the stupid. They are there to provide a harmonious society and punish those that have no wish to be harmonious, by being criminals.

 

Laws exist for numerous reasons, protecting children being an example.

 

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Laws exist for numerous reasons, protecting children being an example.

 

 

Thank you for your erudite interdiction. Unwarranted, unwelcome and uneducated.

 

Are you suggesting, as per the conversation, that all children are stupid ?
 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Its why so many laws exist in the first place - to protect the stupid from themselves.

 

Less stalking, and more thinking required.

 

 

10 hours ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Thank you for your erudite interdiction. Unwarranted, unwelcome and uneducated.

 

Are you suggesting, as per the conversation, that all children are stupid ?
 

 

Less stalking, and more thinking required.

 

 

Nothing in my post can be remotely construed as a statement that ‘all children are stupid’.

 

That might have been something you yourself were thinking, I’ll not speculate as to why.

…

 

Since you have already provided evidence that you are keeping note of the times of day I post, it would seem stalking is also something else you have in your own mind.

 

I’ll respond to any post in any open thread I choose to, if that’s alright with you.

 

 

The energy drink industry spends hundreds of $millions on advertising and promotion of these products that we know are harmful to the health of children, link to science on the matter provided above.

 

Much of this advertising and promotion is directed at children.

 

Corporate profits at cost of children’s health,

 

Good to see children’s health being prioritized by this legislation.