Lithuania bans energy drink sales for teens
May 17 RT.Com
Selling energy drinks to minors will soon be illegal in Lithuania, as
the parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban highly caffeinated beverages
to people under the age of 18. Lithuania is the first EU country to
enact such a ban.
The ban, which includes non-alcoholic beverages containing more than
150 milligrams per liter of caffeine, will take effect in November. It
also applies to beverages containing a range of stimulants like guarana,
ginsenosides, glucuronolactone, and taurine.While considering the
measure, the Baltic state's government cited health concerns, stating
that a high concentration of caffeine may lead to addiction and
hyperactivity. Citing scientists, the parliamentarians also stressed
that it may encourage youngsters to try drugs.
As a result, lawmakers unanimously voted for the ban, with only six
people choosing to abstain. Now Lithuania, an EU member since 2004,
hopes other countries in the 28-member bloc will follow suit. "According
to our survey, a majority of other nations say that they only have
recommendations in place, not bans," ministry official Almantas
Kranauskas said. "I think it will serve as an impetus for other
countries. Many of them are still hesitating and might be influenced by
the lucrative energy drinks industry." Critics do claim the ban might
have a negative influence on the soft drinks industry in Lithuania.
"It is wrong to think that these restrictions could be conducive to
improving business conditions. It will trigger significant chaos and
huge costs," liberal lawmaker Eugenijus Gentvilas said.
In addition, critics have pointed out that coffee also contains
caffeine, stressing that energy drinks aren't the only culprit. |