The Association for Convenience Stores (ACS) has released a statement in response to the Government’s consultation on banning energy drinks to under-16s, calling for a 12-month lead time.

The new proposal will see drinks that have over 150mg of caffeine per litre banned for anyone under the age of 16.

Currently, there are no legal age restrictions on high-caffeine energy drinks, with only labels marked “not recommended for children”.

As part of the Government’s plans, the Department of Health and Social Care has suggested a six-month implementation period to allow retailers to prepare.

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However, the ACS has called for a 12-month implementation period to help retailers and consumers prepare for the change.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Our members have a longstanding track record of enforcing age-restricted sales on different products, but it is essential that we have sufficient time to effectively communicate the details of additional age restrictions on energy drinks to consumers and colleagues to avoid the risk of confrontation in stores.”

According to figures from a poll of independent retailers conducted in 2022 by the ACS, 80% already had policies to restrict the sale of energy drinks to young people.