UK supermarkets ban sales of energy drinks to under-16s

[Sherman A1]

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/05/uk-supermarkets-ban-sales-energy-drinks-under-16s

Sales of energy drinks to children under 16 will be banned by most major UK supermarkets from Monday, following concerns about their high levels of sugar and caffeine and impact on health and behaviour.

Customers buying drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre in branches of Asda, Aldi, the Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose will be asked to prove they are over 16.

The high street chemist Boots is the latest retailer – and the only non-supermarket – to announce a ban, following the lead of a voluntary restriction taken by Waitrose in January.

Drinks such as Red Bull, Relentless, Monster Energy and Rockstar have become increasingly popular. Children and teenagers consume them more than adults, even though industry labelling guidelines statew that any soft drink with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a warning about its high caffeine content and state it is not recommended for children.

[Ohiogal]

1. Good for the UK

How do you ID a kid to make sure he's over 16, though? Not all kids here have drivers' licenses at the age of 16.

I was in line at the grocery store yesterday and saw a parent let his kid who appeared to be about 8 or 9 grab a Rockstar drink out of the cooler, he promptly opened it up and drank some. I was wondering if it was appropriate for a kid that age .... not trying to be judgy or anything .... All that caffeine and sugar can't be too good for children......

[csziggy]

2. If they don't have an ID, don't sell to them

Same as booze and cigarettes.