The British Government could ban the sale of high-caffeine soft drinks to children due to public health concerns.

Key points: The ban would apply to drinks which contain more than 150 millilitres of caffeine per litre

The ban would apply to drinks which contain more than 150 millilitres of caffeine per litre UK adolescents who consume these drinks, drink more than 50 per cent than their European counterparts

UK adolescents who consume these drinks, drink more than 50 per cent than their European counterparts The drinks have been linked to a range of health problems

The so-called "energy drinks" contain high levels of sugar and caffeine and have been linked to obesity and a range of other health issues including headaches and sleeping problems.

"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," Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement.

"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."

Adolescents in Britain who drink energy drinks consume around 50 per cent more than their counterparts in Europe, the statement said.

The government launched a consultation seeking views on the subject, including at what age the ban should apply.

Shops which sell the drinks to people under the legal age — expected to be either 16 or 18 — would face fines of up to $4,400.

The ban will apply to drinks which contain more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre ( Tim Leslie: ABC News )

The policy would only apply to England, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland free to set their own policies.

The ban would apply to drinks containing 150 milligrams of caffeine or more per litre.

According to Red Bull's website, a 250 millilitre can of the drink contains 80 milligrams of caffeine — which the company says is equivalent to a cup of filtered coffee of the same size.

Some retailers already ban sales of energy drinks to children aged under 16.

In April this year a separate sugar tax on soft drinks came into effect across the United Kingdom.

Reuters/ ABC