The Scottish government has decided against introducing restrictions surrounding the sale of energy drinks to children and young people following a consultation.
The government has been considering whether there is sufficient cause and evidence to introduce restrictions on the sale of energy drinks.
The announcement came as the government published an evidence brief on energy drinks alongside its consultation analysis report.
Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, told a meeting of parliament: “Based on our considerations, we do not think that the evidence base is sufficiently developed to pursue mandatory measures at this time. I recognise that consumption of energy drinks is a significant concern to parents, teachers and young people. We will therefore continue to support voluntary measures to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children and will keep under review how those could be strengthened.
“We will also consider what additional evidence gathering and analysis could be undertaken, including on the impacts of current voluntary actions and understanding young people’s consumption of energy drinks and the contribution that makes to their total caffeine intake. That will help to inform consideration of possible mandatory measures in the future.”
