Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what consultation has his Department undertaken with vending and automated retailing businesses and other relevant stakeholders before proposing restrictions on the sale of high-energy caffeine drinks.

The Department engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the vending and automated retail sector, prior to publishing its proposals for banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks.

Building on initial engagements, the Department ran a 12 week consultation, which was open from 3 September 2025 to 26 November 2025. This formal consultation invited views from all interested parties, including businesses operating in the vending and automated retailing sectors, on the proposed age restriction and its implementation.

The Department is currently reviewing all consultation submissions and will set out a formal consultation response in due course.