In England, the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 is set to become illegal from April next year, under new health-focused laws. Multiple outlets report that the restriction applies broadly to where such drinks are sold, including in shops, via vending machines and through online retailers. BBC News and other reports specify that only higher-caffeine energy drinks are affected, while softer drinks with lower caffeine levels are not included in the ban. The Guardian adds that the government estimates around 100,000 children across the country drink high-caffeine energy drinks daily, with consumption more common among children in more deprived areas. The Independent notes the ban’s April 2027 start date and describes what consumers and sellers need to know. Overall, the coverage agrees the policy targets under-16s and aims to reduce children’s access to high-caffeine products, without changing availability of lower-caffeine soft drinks.