Will energy drinks stay in Poland for adults only?
The Polish parliament is getting serious about banning the sale of energy drinks. People who attempts to circumvent them will be heavily fined and possibly imprisoned. Ultimately, the sale of energy drinks will be allowed from the age of 18, just like alcohol or cigarettes.
Not only does the government supports the draft law, but most opposition politicians do as well. Its adoption in the coming months is almost certain. The Minister of Sport and Tourism, Kamil Bortniczuk: ‘The Polish parliament has the support of all political parties for a project to ban the promotion and sale of energy drinks to young people under the age of 18.’
‘I expect that it will be passed later this term. […] A liter bottle costing a few zlotys at a discount store provides as much caffeine as 6-8 cups of black coffee. While we can't imagine a child drinking a liter of coffee during a break, an energy drink is a bit like a drug wrapped in candy,’ Bortniczuk stated.
The new legislation will withdraw so-called energy drinks from schools and educational units, and impose restrictions on advertising with these products. The ban on advertisement of these beverages will be similar to that for tobacco products, but will not apply to ads with a sponsorship nature for individual athletes or entire sports events.
Statistics show that in Poland, one out of ten 11-year-olds and almost half of 15-year-olds consume energy drinks at least once a week.
Source: RMF FM