The Welsh government has confirmed its intention to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, such as Monster, Red Bull and Prime, to under-16s.
The restrictions, outlined in consultation documents released this week, mirror those set to come into force in England next year.
However, the Welsh government has said that there would be a six-month period when regulations are finalised until the rules come into force.
The ban will apply to drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, excluding tea and coffee. Other high caffeine products that are not drinks, such as pouches and gums, are not currently to be included in the rules.
Under the proposals, businesses could face fixed penalties of up to £2,500 for failing to safeguard against under-age sales of the drinks.
However, Association of Convenience Stores’ chief executive Ed Woodall says that the change would not cause a problem for convenience retailers, with the vast majority already having voluntary age restrictions for the drinks in place.
“Local shops have a strong track record of managing age restricted products and they will apply that same diligence to preventing under-16s accessing energy drinks,” he adds.
