14-05-2025
Government in 'early stages' of examining energy drink ban for under 18s
The Government is in the 'early stages' of considering a ban on energy drinks for children and under-18s.
The programme for Government commits that it will 'explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children'.
The Seanad is due to debate a motion from Independent Senator Sharon Keoghan calling for the 'Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children' on Wednesday.
The Cabinet decided on Tuesday to delay that bill for 18 months.
A Government spokesman said that the coalition was in the 'early stages' of considering its own restrictions on the sale of high caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children.
He added: 'A body of work will need to be carried out to identify any public health concerns with regard to energy drink consumption in Ireland and to identify appropriate policy responses.
'It is too early at this stage to consider draft legislation as set out in this Private Member's Bill.'
In 2024, the sale of energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine was legally banned in Poland for minors.
In 2014, Lithuania became the first country in the world to ban energy drinks for minors.
