The British government is considering banning the sale of energy drinks to children in England.

Members of the public are being consulted on the proposal, and are being asked whether the ban should apply to children under 16 or those under 18.

According to the UK's health department, a 250ml can of an energy drink can contain around 80mg of caffeine, or almost three times the amount found in a can of cola.

Officials say that while "many major retailers" in the UK such as Aldi and Tesco have already banned children and teenagers from being energy drinks, the beverages are still readily available through smaller stores and vending machines.

Announcing the plan, Prime Minister Theresa May said childhood obesity is "one of the greatest health challenges" England faces.

She observed: "Our plans to tackle obesity are already world leading, but we recognise much more needs to be done and as part of our long-term plan for the NHS, [and] we are putting a renewed focus on the prevention of ill-health.

"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."

Like Ireland, the UK has introduced a 'sugar tax' on sugary drinks, with the levy coming into force earlier this year.

Experts here in Ireland have previously warned that energy drinks contain "adults doses that weren't designed for children or adolescents in the first place".

It was reported earlier this year that Aldi Ireland was banning the high-caffeine drinks for under 16s.