Children under the age of 16 could be prevented from buying high-caffeine energy drinks in Wales under proposals being taken forward by the Welsh Government.

A new consultation has been launched to establish how the proposed restrictions would work in practice, including how shops and online retailers would check customers' ages and what action could be taken against businesses breaking the rules.

The move follows growing concerns about the potential impact of high-caffeine energy drinks on children's health and wellbeing.

Evidence suggests regular consumption can be associated with headaches, irritability, tiredness and stomach problems. Research has also highlighted links with poorer sleep, increased stress and a greater risk of anxiety and depression.

The previous Welsh Government consulted on plans to restrict sales to under-16s, with broad support for taking action.

The current Welsh Government now intends to proceed with the proposals, subject to the outcome of the latest consultation.

The restrictions would cover drinks, other than tea and coffee, containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre.

The latest consultation, launched by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health Nerys Evans, focuses on how the restrictions would be enforced rather than whether high-caffeine drinks should be restricted in the first place.

Under the proposals, local authority food safety teams would be responsible for checking businesses are complying with the rules. The consultation also considers online age-verification systems, possible penalties for retailers and how compliance would be monitored.

The approach elsewhere in the UK is not yet consistent.

In England, the UK Government has already confirmed plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16. The restrictions are expected to come into force in April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval, and will cover shops, online retailers and vending machines. GOV.UK

Scotland has taken a different approach. Following its own consultation, the Scottish Government decided in 2023 not to introduce a mandatory sales ban, after considering the available evidence. GOV.UK

Northern Ireland has also not introduced a statutory age restriction, with no equivalent mandatory measures currently in place.

This means Wales is now moving towards a position similar to England, although the two governments are at different stages of the process.

The Welsh Government says its proposed enforcement arrangements would broadly follow the approach being developed in England, helping to avoid unnecessary differences for businesses operating on both sides of the border.

The wider aim is to create a healthier environment for children and young people, reducing their access to products which could affect their physical and mental health.

The consultation will help determine the final arrangements, including when any restrictions could come into force. Businesses, councils and other organisations will also be involved in developing guidance before the legislation is introduced.

Many major supermarkets and retailers have already introduced voluntary restrictions on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. However, these arrangements are not universal, meaning children can still buy the products from some outlets. The proposed legislation would introduce a consistent, legally enforceable approach rather than relying on individual retailers to decide their own policies.