Spain is preparing to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s nationwide.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy confirmed the ban would also extend to 16 and 17-year-olds if the drink contains particularly high levels of caffeine – defined as more than 32 milligrams per 100 millilitres.
The move comes after nearly two years of internal debate and is being justified on health grounds.
Energy drinks often contain high levels of sugar and stimulants such as caffeine and taurine, as well as ingredients like ginseng or ginkgo.
Regular consumption has been linked to sleep disruption, anxiety, behavioural problems and even cardiovascular issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also considered high-risk groups.
Public backing for the measure is overwhelming. A recent survey by Spain’s Food Safety Agency (Aesan) found that nine in ten people support banning sales to under-16s, while 54% would extend the ban to all under-18s.
Support is also strong among young adults, with 88% of those aged 18 to 35 in favour of restrictions.
The proposed law would build on existing rules that already ban the sale of energy drinks in schools, including in cafeterias and vending machines, under legislation approved last year.
The crackdown targets a booming market. Sales of energy drinks in Spain have risen nearly 40% this decade.
One in four people drinks them at least twice a week, and many mix them with alcohol – a combination that can mask intoxication and increase risk-taking behaviour.
Consumption among young people is particularly high. Official data show that seven out of every ten cans sold are consumed by young people.
Around 43% of teenagers aged 14 to 18 drink them regularly, and 15% admit to mixing them with alcohol.
Alarmingly, there are also reports of consumption among children as young as three to 10.
A scientific report by Aesan previously warned that excessive caffeine intake can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, behavioural changes and heart problems – particularly among daily consumers.
If approved, Spain would join countries such as Germany, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Hungary and Lithuania in restricting youth access to energy drinks.
Galicia has already introduced regional rules, and Asturias is preparing to follow suit.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
