Ban on Energy drinks to under 16’s in England from April 27
Latest News,Legislation
England’s upcoming ban on selling high‑caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s is about to reshape everyday retail operations. With legislation being revived to prohibit sales of drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, retailers will soon need to treat energy drinks the same way they treat alcohol and other age‑restricted products.
For many stores, this means new training, new signage, and critically, a reliable way to verify age at checkout.
This is where digital proof‑of‑age becomes a game‑changer.
Digital age assurance allows customers to prove they’re over 16 using secure, privacy‑preserving digital credentials. No need for physical ID, no slowing down queues, and no awkward interactions for staff. Retailers get a consistent, auditable compliance pathway whether in‑store, at self‑checkout, or online.
With larger supermarkets already operating voluntary bans and mandatory rules now on the horizon, adopting digital proof‑of‑age helps retailers:
* Reduce friction at checkout
* Strengthen compliance and reduce risk
* Support staff with clear, automated age‑verification signals
* Prepare for future digital‑first regulation across other product categories
Critical detail retailers must be aware of:
To legally accept digital proof‑of‑age, retailers must have a contract with a certified Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP). This ensures the digital credential is validated against a trusted, audited service, giving retailers confidence that the age signal they receive is compliant, reliable and defensible.
With mandatory rules on the horizon, partnering with a DVS provider not only enables retailers to meet energy‑drink age‑restriction requirements but also:
* The Generational Smoking Ban for tobacco from January 2027 (UK wide)
* Digital Proof of Age during alcohol purchases from October 2026 (England and Wales)
Want to know more?
If you’re exploring how digital proof‑of‑age and DVS integration can support your compliance strategy, Contact us and we’d be delighted to help.
