Hungarian gov't bans sale of energy drinks for under-18s
The Hungarian Parliament unanimously adopted an amendment to the law banning the sale and service of energy drinks to people under 18.
The proposal submitted by István Hollik and Lőrinc Nacsa of the KDNP received 174 votes in favour, with no votes against or abstentions.
The law will enter into force 30 days after its promulgation, so the ban is expected to take effect from June.
The legislation gives the government the power to specify in regulations exactly what beverages are subject to the restriction. In the event of a breach of the rule, the consumer protection authority may ban the sale of energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and sex products in the shop for up to one year. In the event of a repeat offence, they can also order the closure of the shop for up to 30 days within three years.
According to Lőrinc Nacsa, the amendment became necessary because the consumption of energy drinks among young Hungarians has increased to alarming levels. According to a survey, 78% of young people drink energy drinks, and one in five 10-14 year olds regularly start their day with one. The legislation aims to protect the health of young people from excessive consumption of caffeine and stimulants.
The gap of just over a year between the proposal's submission and its adoption was caused by a notification procedure in Brussels, where an objection from the world's largest energy drinks producer slowed down the process. However, according to the initiators, “this attack has been averted”.
Last summer, the government prepared a draft regulation with similar content, which was submitted for public consultation. It defined as energy drinks products with a caffeine content of more than 15 mg/100 ml or containing L-arginine, ginseng or 10 mg/100 ml or more of taurine, or a combination of these. However, this legislation has not entered into force since then.
The Hungarian Energy Drinks Association (MESZ) issued a statement on the issue, saying that the provision is not about banning energy drinks: In Hungary, energy drinks can still be legally marketed and consumed. The new regulation restricts only the purchase of energy drinks by under-18s, adult consumers are not affected. The consumption of caffeine, one of the main ingredients of energy drinks, is not recommended for children in any form. It is important to underline that the legislators' aim was "not to ban energy drinks, but to protect children, says the MESZ. The association welcomes the measures to encourage responsible consumption and product use.
Cover photo (for illustration purposes only): Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
