Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has announced plans to introduce strict regulations on the sale of energy drinks. The new rules envisage a complete ban on the sale of these products to persons under the age of 16 across the entire country. Furthermore, the government plans to introduce additional restrictions for older youth up to the age of 18 for drinks with particularly high caffeine content, aiming to limit the negative impact of these substances on public health.
Sales ban up to 16 years of age
A nationwide ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors under 16 years of age will be introduced.
Restrictions for strong stimulants
Drinks with particularly high caffeine content will be unavailable to persons under 18 years of age.
Identity document requirement
Buyers will be forced to present an identity card to verify their age before purchasing a stimulating beverage.
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has taken decisive steps to regulate the energy drink market. According to the newly presented draft, the sale of these products to persons under 16 years of age will be completely prohibited. The document also stipulates that proof of identity will be required for purchase, which is intended to tighten the age verification system for buyers in shops and vending machines. This decision is a response to growing concern among doctors and health organizations regarding the impact of high doses of caffeine on young bodies. The restrictions do not, however, end at the age of sixteen. The government also intends to set limits for products with the highest caffeine content, which will not be sold to persons under 18 years of age. This is seen as an attempt to curb the trend of consuming 'energy shots' or products with concentrations of stimulants far exceeding standards. The increase in stimulant consumption among youth has become a global problem in the last decade, prompting more European countries to introduce age restrictions, similar to those for tobacco products or alcohol. The reform is to be implemented at the national level, which will unify regulations that some autonomous communities had previously attempted to implement independently. The introduction of the law is met with support from medical circles, which point to a correlation between energy drink consumption and the occurrence of hyperactivity, obesity, and hormonal disorders in teenagers. On the other hand, the food industry may raise arguments concerning market freedom and the need for education instead of imposing rigid bans. The draft must now go through the legislative process in parliament, where definitions of caffeine levels qualifying a drink as subject to restrictions will be clarified. Main Age Limits for Energy Drinks: Total ban: 16, Restrictions for high caffeine: 1816 years — minimum age required to purchase energy drinksChange in Energy Drink Sales Rules: Age Verification: No nationwide obligation → Obligation to present DNI (ID card); Age Limit: No limit (except in selected regions) → Ban for persons under 16 years