High-caffeine energy drinks will be banned for anyone under 16 in new Government plans which aim to wage war on youth obesity.
Wes Streeting announced that energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre will be illegal for all retailers to sell to those under 16.
This will include shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines, as well as online.
It is believed the plans could save up to 40,000 children from obesity, and tackle problems such as disrupted sleep, increased anxiety and lack of concentration.
This could, in turn, increase school grades.
Currently, around 100,000 children are thought to drink at least one high-caffeine energy drink, such as Prime, Red Bull, Monster and Relentless, every day.
Around 100,000 children are thought to drink at least one energy drink every day
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Large supermarket chains have already taken the step to stop youngsters from buying the drinks.
However, the Department of Health believes some smaller shops, such as corner shops, still sell to under-16s.
The Health Secretary said: "How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?
"Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today's kids are all being impacted while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.
BRITAIN'S OBESITY CRISIS:
Wes Streeting has announced the plans to ban under-16s buying energy drinks
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"As part of our plan for change and shift from treatment to prevention, we are acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head-on.
"By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we are helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come."
However, experts have warned people not to get confused between drinks that are high in caffeine and high in calories.
Tom Sanders, an emeritus Professor of nutrition and dietetics at King's College London, said: "There seems to be some confusion regarding the term 'high-energy' drinks with drinks that are high in food energy [calories].
The plan had been proposed before by Theresa May but was scrapped by Sajid Javid
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"Consequently, the claim that this ban will reduce obesity in 40,000 children seems scientifically unfounded.
"Caffeine certainly does not promote weight gain, and the published scientific evidence is in the opposite direction."
It is already mandatory for drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to have a warning label which says they are not recommended for children.
A consultation is set to take place over 12 weeks in order to gather evidence from retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement leaders, and experts in health and education, as well as the public.
The measures were first suggested seven years ago by then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
However, they were scrapped in 2019 as Sajid Javid claimed the proposals were "nanny state".