The Czech government has taken steps toward a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 15. On Wednesday, the cabinet approved a proposal aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of stimulants in these drinks. However, according to Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný, technical and legal challenges still need to be addressed.
For comprehensive child protection, potential regulations limiting harmful ingredients should apply not only to drinks but also to other foods, reports the news channel ČT24. Minister Výborný (KDU-ČSL) plans to initiate an expert discussion between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and the proposal’s authors to further develop the bill in its second reading.
Unlike alcohol or tobacco, Europe currently has no harmonised regulations for energy drinks. Since many energy drinks are imported, this aspect will also require consideration.
Members of Parliament from all parties agree that excessive consumption of energy drinks poses a growing problem. “The incidence of diseases linked to high consumption of sweetened drinks is high in the Czech Republic and increasing, particularly among children,” the motion states. The associated health risks include obesity, high blood pressure, tooth decay, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disorders.
The proposed ban would prohibit the sale of energy drinks in healthcare facilities, schools, childcare centres, and at events targeting children under 15. Additionally, the Ministry of Health could set regulations on the composition, labelling, packaging, and advertising of these drinks to reduce excessive consumption among children.
The Association of Soft Drinks Manufacturers has criticised the proposal, calling it excessive and advocating instead for educational measures to raise awareness about potential health risks.
According to an HBSC study, one in five schoolchildren aged 11 to 15 consumes energy drinks at least once weekly. Sleep issues are common among regular consumers, with almost half of affected children reporting such problems. The trend mirrors that of neighbouring countries, where the number of young energy drink consumers has doubled since 2018.
