Norway moves to ban energy drink sales to under-16s
The Norwegian government submitted a proposal to regulate the sale of energy drinks for consultation on Friday.
'I share the concern of parents, teachers and coaches that children and young people are consuming too much caffeine through energy drinks. Because it causes negative health consequences such as sleep disturbances, restlessness, headaches and, in the worst case, caffeine poisoning,' Minister of Health and Social Care Jan Christian Vestre said in a government announcement.
Norway's parliament already voted in favour of a ban in 2023, so the consultation is to decide how ban will be regulated and enforced.
Vestre said the ban was being introduced due to the negative health effects these drinks could have on young people's health.
'Large amounts of caffeine for children under 16 years of age are directly dangerous to health. I believe it is right to protect children and young people from the negative health effects of energy drinks. Therefore, the government proposes to introduce a 16-year age limit for this,' he said.
As parliament has already voted on a ban, Vestre hoped that the sale of energy drinks to under-16s being prohibited could come into effect shortly after the consultation ends in June.
The health minister said there would be consequences for businesses that don't follow the rules.
'It may not be the punishment we envision, but if you break Norwegian law and sell products to children and young people when it is prohibited, there could be some consequences,' he told broadcaster TV 2.
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