The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks (over 150mg/litre, excluding tea and coffee) to under-16 year-olds in England and from all vending machines, regardless of location, from 6 April 2027 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has expressed its “extreme disappointment” that the Government rejected evidence showing most vending machines are inaccessible to children, as well as alternative approaches such as age verification. The decision is based largely on enforcement simplicity rather than evidence of significant underage purchases through vending, the AVA said.
The association is urging its members to assess the potential impact on their businesses, including affected machines, product ranges and alternative products.
Now that MPs have return from the summer recess, the AVA will continue to engage with them and challenge the lack of vending-specific evidence as the next stage of the legislation is introduced.
AVA members have been encouraged to contact their local MPs to explain the impact on their business and livelihoods. Having their local MPs informed and aware of the impact on local businesses is essential when it comes to their votes in the House, the AVA advised.
