Armenian lawmakers seek to ban energy drinks for minors

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The sale of all energy drinks to young people and children in Armenia should be banned, according to a number of lawmakers.

Several Members of Parliament from the ruling Civil Contract party drafted legislation seeking to impose the ban.

MP Alkhas Ghazaryan, presenting the bill at the parliamentary committee on economy on Wednesday, said that they seek to protect the health of persons below the age of 18 and reduce the risk of negative effects caused by energy drinks.

“According to healthcare ministry data, approximately 40 percent of teenagers use energy drinks. Although the health effects of such drinks aren’t fully studied, regular use has negative consequences. World Health Organization guidelines say such drinks shouldn’t be advertised for children. Some countries have already restricted the sale and advertisement of energy drinks, and we must also do so,” Ghazaryan said.

The legislation will also cover the legislative gaps on the sale of alcoholic drinks to persons under the age of 18. Although the current legislation envisages administrative liability for selling alcohol to persons below the age of 18, the law on Trade and Services doesn’t technically have such a ban. The lawmakers seek to amend the law. “We will fill that gap too,” the MP added.

The committee approved the bill. It will be debated in the plenary session.