MINISTERS fear the high-caffeine, sugar-loaded drinks consumed by more youngsters in the UK than other children in Europe are harming their health and education.

As a result, restrictions are being planned on the sale of drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, like popular brands Red Bull, Monster and Relentless.

Public Health Minister Steve Brine says: “We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education, and we know that drinks packed to the brim with caffeine, and often sugar, are becoming a common fixture of their diet.”

A 12-week consultation period will hear a range of views about how the ban should be best applied. But what will the restrictions mean for consumers?

What is being banned?

Drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, like Red Bull, Monster, and Relentless, will be affected.

One regular 250ml can of energy drink contains around 80mg of caffeine – equivalent to almost three cans of cola.

Many popular energy drinks now come in 500ml cans.

Sales will be restricted to either over-16s or over-18s, depending on consultation responses.

What are the concerns?

There are fears children’s health and education are being harmed, with the drinks linked to behavioural issues and poor classroom discipline.

Many also have very high amounts of sugar, contributing to tooth decay and obesity.

Studies have shown regularly consuming large quantities of caffeine can result in increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, headaches and stomach aches. Campaigners have also criticised how much children can get their hands on with just pocket money, with four cans of generic 250ml energy drink available for as little as £1.

Why is it relevant to Britain?

British children consume energy drinks way above the European average, contributing to emotional difficulties and tiredness, public health minister Steve Brine has said.

Nearly 70 per cent of UK children aged ten to 17 years old consume energy drinks, according to the Government’s childhood obesity plan.

And those who do so are drinking on average 50 per cent more than the EU average for that age group.

Jenny Oldroyd, deputy director for obesity, food and nutrition at the Department of Health and Social Care, has previously warned: “Around a quarter of adolescents are consuming more than three energy drinks in one sitting, so it’s that high level of consumption that concerns us.”

Why has the issue gained prominence?

A boom in the energy drinks market, high-profile calls from figures such as TV chef Jamie Oliver, and the relatively low cost of some types compared with general soft drinks. While many major retailers already do not sell to under-16s, just 21 per cent of the UK grocery market, including corner shops, are signed up to voluntary restrictions, No 10 said.

UK energy drink sales jumped by around one-fifth (19 per cent) between 2012 and 2017, with total sales estimated at £1.65bn last year, according to analysis from market researchers Mintel. A further ten per cent growth for the energy drinks market is expected for 2017-22, it added.

Is the proposed ban only in England?

Yes. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have devolved powers to implement their own bans.

Here is a look at the caffeine and sugar content of some of the leading energy drink brands in the UK:

Monster original – 500ml can; Sugar content: 55g; Caffeine content: 32mg/100ml

Relentless – 500ml can; Sugar content: 24g; Caffeine content: 32mg/100ml

Red Bull – 250ml can; Sugar content: 27.5g; Caffeine content: 32mg/100ml;

Boost – 250ml can; Sugar content: 12.3g; Caffeine content: 30mg/100ml

V Ultimate Guarana Energy Drink – 250ml can; Sugar content: 11.3g; Caffeine content: 31mg/100ml

Instant coffee – Sugar content: 0g; Caffeine content: 26mg/100ml