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

Children’s health further protected with energy drinks ban

Government have announced on the 16 July 2026 that they will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England
Proposals to protect thousands of children who drink high caffeine energy drinks daily
Ban will come into force in April 2027 and will apply in shops, vending machines and online
Children’s health will be better protected from the harms linked to high-caffeine energy drinks that it will ban their sale to under-16s in England.

It’s estimated around 100,000 children in England drink energy drinks high in caffeine every day and evidence suggests this can negatively impact their physical and mental health, as well as their education.

For further information go to Gov.uk

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