Dorset Supermarket Bans Energy Drinks for Children

23 November 2013, 09:33 | Updated: 23 November 2013, 10:06

Morrisons has become the first supermarket to restrict the sale of high energy drinks to children under 16.

In a test scheme in Dorset, Glasgow, Leeds, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Suffolk, staff will be asked to challenge the age of anyone who looks under 16 before selling them high caffeine based energy drinks. If the pilot scheme is successful, it could be rolled out across the country.

The ban by Morrisons applies to products with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. That includes major brands such as Red Bull which has 320mg, Monster with 338mg and Relentless with 320mg.

It is after studies have shown that children who drink moderate amounts of caffeine before physical activity can have raised blood pressure.