Straight-talking businessman Dave Fishwick has called for parents to be allowed to make their own decisions after Labour suggested banning energy drinks for children.
The Burnley-based Bank of Dave founder was talking on today's Politics Live show on BBC. The panel debated the various election policies as both Labour and the Conservatives look to publish their manifestos. One of Labour's proposals is to introduce a ban on caffeine-containing energy drinks for those aged under 16. Many of the popular drinks, such as Monster and Red Bull, contain high amounts of caffeine, as much as between 160-200mg per can in some cases, which is double the amount found in an average cup of coffee .Earlier this year 40 health-related organisations wrote to Health Secretary Victoria Atkins to repeat the call for sales of energy drinks to be further restricted.
During the discussion on Politics Live Dave Fishwick was asked what he thought of Labour's suggestion. Dave said he didn't back the policy and instead called for better education so people can make decisions "based on common sense".