Restricting the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children in Wales - Enforcement

The previous Welsh Government consulted on proposals to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 in Wales and subsequently undertook a Call for Evidence. 

Following consideration of the evidence and responses received, the current Welsh Government has decided to take forward these proposals.

The 2022 consultation sought views on the minimum age of sale for high caffeine energy drinks, the products and businesses in scope of a ban and the environments to which a ban should apply, including vending machines. 

The consultation demonstrated majority support for restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children, and the subsequent Call for Evidence provided additional evidence which broadly supported the policy direction while identifying a number of implementation and enforcement considerations.

We are now consulting to seeks views on proposals regarding implementation and how a ban should be enforced, including assessing compliance, age verification, sanctions and monitoring.