The UK Government has initiated a consultation process to seek public views on banning the sale of energy drinks to children and young people.

The consultation is reported to be part of the government’s plan to reduce childhood obesity and other health problems.

It follows after the government published the latest chapter of its childhood obesity plan in June this year, which outlines a commitment to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces, and that’s why we are taking significant action to reduce the amounts of sugar consumed by young people and to help families make healthier choices.

“We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education.”

“Our plans to tackle obesity are already world-leading, but we recognise much more needs to be done and as part of our long-term plan for the NHS, we are putting a renewed focus on the prevention of ill-health.

“With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children.”

The consultation also suggests an outright ban on drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre.

UK Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: “We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education, and we know that drinks packed to the brim with caffeine, and often sugar, are becoming a common fixture of their diet.”