A CAMPAIGN promoting healthier lifestyles and cutting down on energy drinks has been backed by enjoyleisure.

Responsible Retailing of Energy Drinks (RRED) invites retailers to adopt a voluntary code of good practice which restricts energy drinks sales to those aged over 16.

enjoyleisure, the county’s provider of sports and leisure facilities, has backed the RRED campaign, against highly caffeinated beverages, which claim to give the customer greater energy levels. They differ from sports drinks, which are designed to boost the athlete’s performance.

Bill Axon, general manager at enjoyleisure, said: “We are very pleased to support the RRED campaign to show our support for the health and wellbeing of our younger customers.

“Over one million customers use our facilities every year, with a significant number in the younger age group, and we are keen to play our part in making East Lothian a healthier place to live.

“While we support ‘freedom of choice’ it would be inappropriate and potentially negligent not to take account of concerns raised regarding such drinks.” Energy drinks are not stocked in vending machines or available for sale at any of the sport centres across the county.

enjoyleisure has acknowledged the potential dangers of caffeinated energy drinks as outlined by RRED, which include some health reservations for children and other young people.

County MP Fiona O’Donnell said: “I am pleased enjoyleisure are supporting the campaign to help promote healthier choices for children and young people.”