Boots UK has become one of the first non-food retailers to join an important initiative to restrict the sale of energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to children under the age of 16.
Currently, all high-caffeine energy drinks carry labelling stating they are not suitable for children, in line with industry guidelines, but as a responsible health-led retailer, Boots UK wants to go beyond this and actively limit their sale to children under the age of 16.
A Boots UK spokesperson, commented: “Helping our customers to live healthier lives has always been our core purpose. We have listened to the growing public concern about young people consuming these high sugar and highly-caffeinated drinks, and want to do the right thing in our 2,500 stores across the UK to help further restrict their access.”
From 5 March 2018, Boots UK will have a till bar system in place where anyone thought to be under the age of 16 will be asked to prove that they are 16 or older.
Jamie Oliver, Chef and Campaigner, comments: "To see a health brand like Boots join the ban on energy drinks to under 16’s is brilliant. Our retailers are doing the right thing for the health of our children and now it’s time for government to step up, close the loop and implement a ban. We need a level playing field so we can protect ALL our kids from buying these drinks in ALL independent retailers.” #NotForChildren