New Initiative to Ban Energy and Fizzy Drinks to Under-18s

TIRANA, September 14

The Albanian parliament is scrutinizing a draft-law that will see children and teens under-18 blocked from purchasing energy and fizzy drinks. The intention is to use the same sanctions as selling alcohol to people under the legal drinking age. Moreover, the initiative foresees penalties and fines for adults that buy or serve these drinks to people under the legal age. The law on sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages to people under the age of 18 will also apply for energy, soda, and other fizzy drinks. Retailers must place a sign in their shop which clearly says that it is illegal to sell energy drinks to people under the age of 18. A fine of Lek 10,000 will be applied if they don’t have the sign. In the meantime, the fine for adults that accompany a minor that drinks energy drinks will wary between Lek 10,000 and 30,000.
Moreover, the draft-law includes restrictions on the advertising of those drinks. The restrictions will apply to media advertising, or facilities like education institutions, cinemas, and theaters. According to the draft law, the direct advertising of energy drinks to minors in public areas will be subject to fines between Lek 100,000 and 200,000.
Based on the draft-law relation, the initiative aims at preventing the negative health effects associated with energy drinks and other drinks with high sugar content.

News Source: Scan TV

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