LONDON — High-caffeine energy drinks such as Red Bull will be banned for sale to youths under 16 in England under plans announced by the government on Wednesday.

“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come,” health minister Wes Streeting said in a statement.

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Up to a third of 13- to 16-year-olds in England are believed to consume energy drinks — some of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee — despite most supermarkets having introduced a voluntary ban, according to the government.

“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?” Streeting said.

“We’re acting on the concerns of p

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