Morrisons becomes the latest supermarket to ban energy drinks to under 16s
The supermarket is the latest one to respond to campaigners calling for a ban on the sale of the high-caffeine drinks to children
MORRISONS is the latest supermarket to stop selling energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
The supermarket joins Aldi, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Asda in pledging to ask for ID before approving the sale of the highly-caffeinated drinks.
Current guidelines require any soft drink with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre needs to carry a warning that they are not suitable for children.
Drinks like Red Bull, Relentless, Monster Energy and Rockstar have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Studies have also found that the consumption of the drinks is linked to low academic performance and dietary problems.
Where have energy drinks been banned?
Energy drinks are sold around the world. But some countries have tried to control their selling to children.
France, Denmark, Norway - Red Bull was banned from sale for 12 years until 2008 due to concerns about its impact on peoples' health
Lithuania - In 2014, the country banned the selling of all energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18
Germany - In 2009, six German states ordered shops to stop selling Red Bull Cola after traces of cocaine were found in it
Hungary - The country introduced a new tax on unhealthy food and drinks including energy drinks
Sales of the drinks in the UK increased by 185 per cent between 2006 and 2015, with the industry now worth more than £2billion.
Andrew Clappen from Morrisons said that the ban which will come in to play on March 5 - the same day as Asda and Waitrose - is in response to customers concerns.
Sainbury's and Aldi's will start asking youngsters to prove their age from March 1.
Lidl told the Sun Online that it will also be placing a ban but Tesco said they weren't aware of any plans to do it yet.
Lidl told the Sun Online that it will also be placing a ban but Tesco said they weren't aware of any plans to do it yet.
Last month leading teachers' union NASUWT called for the sale of the drinks to be banned for under-16s due to the high amount of sugar and caffeine in them.
In October, newsagent boss Rajendra Parekh banned the sale of energy drinks to under-18s.
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