A PUBLIC health boss has backed a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children and young people in England.

Blackburn with Darwen borough public health director Dominic Harrison said a ban would help curb high sugar consumption among youngsters.

He also called for a clampdown on ‘totally irresponsible’ drinks companies advertising high-sugar drinks to young people.

The government consultation proposes that a ban would apply to drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre and prevent all retailers from selling the drinks to children.

It follows the publication of the latest chapter of the government’s childhood obesity plan in June 2018, which outlines a series of measures as well as a commitment to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

Questions in a public consultation include whether restrictions on the sale of energy drinks should apply to children under 16 or under 18.

It also asks whether the law should be changed to prevent children from buying them in any situation.

Energy drinks are already banned for sale to children by many major retailers, but children can still buy them from vending machines and many independent convenience stores.

Mr Harrison said: “I would welcome any ban on sales to children of these high-caffeine, high-energy drinks which have lots of sugar in them.

“They lead to an increase in calorie consumption and can affect children’s behaviour in school.

“I would also call for a clampdown on the totally irresponsible multi-national companies who are producing adverts to promote these products to children and young people.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces, and that’s why we are taking significant action to reduce the amounts of sugar consumed by young people and to help families make healthier choices.

“Our plans to tackle obesity are already world leading, but we recognise much more needs to be done, and as part of our long-term plan for the NHS, we are putting a renewed focus on the prevention of ill-health," said Mrs May.

“With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children.

“It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life and I encourage everyone to put forward their views.”

More than two-thirds of 10 to 17-year-olds and a quarter of six to nine-year-olds consume energy drinks.

A 250ml can of energy drink can contains around 80mg of caffeine – the equivalent of nearly three cans of cola.

On average, non-diet energy drinks also contain 60 per cent more calories and 65 per cent more sugar than other, regular soft drinks.

To complete the consultation, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website.