A campaign led by local parents has scored a major win for young people’s health in Dingwall, as Home Bargains introduces a voluntary ban on selling energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16.
The decision follows months of lobbying from the Dingwall Academy Parent Council, supported by local MSP Kate Forbes, amid growing concerns about the effect of high-caffeine beverages on children’s wellbeing, sleep, and behaviour in the classroom.
The move, which applies at the retailer’s Dingwall branch, marks a significant shift in how energy drinks are sold locally and campaigners are now urging other shops in the area to follow suit.
Kate Forbes MSP welcomed the change, calling it a clear sign of corporate responsibility and community leadership.
“I’m delighted that Home Bargains has listened to the concerns of parents and taken this responsible step to protect young people’s health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine which can harm developing brains and disrupt learning.
“This decision is a demonstration of real leadership, and will help protect pupils’ health, and support better outcomes in the classroom.”
The move comes amid wider national debate on energy drink restrictions, with the UK Government in England already signalling plans to implement an age limit, though Scotland has yet to follow.
Locally, campaigners say the drinks, often brightly packaged and aggressively marketed have become a regular feature in school bags, with troubling effects.
Karen O’Hanlon, Chair of the Dingwall Academy Parent Council, praised Home Bargains for its eventual decision to act, even after initial hesitation.
“We’re really pleased that Home Bargains has chosen to introduce a voluntary age restriction on high-caffeine energy drinks,” she said.
“This is a very positive step and shows real leadership as a responsible retailer.
“As parents and carers, our concern has always been about the impact of these drinks on young people’s health and wellbeing.”
O’Hanlon added that the drinks’ influence on sleep, concentration, and school behaviour has been well documented and that voluntary action from businesses can go a long way while awaiting national regulation.
“While we were disappointed at first that our initial request wasn’t accepted, we’re delighted that Home Bargains has listened and decided to act,” she said.
“We hope other local retailers will now follow their example, so there’s a consistent approach across all shops in the Dingwall Academy catchment area and beyond.”
“Ultimately, we’d like to see a national ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, in line with the policy being introduced in England.
“Until then, voluntary action like this makes a real difference in protecting young people in our community.”
