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Spain is set to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 in what the government describes as a major step towards protecting young people’s health.

 

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs confirmed that shops will no longer be allowed to sell drinks such as Red Bull or Monster to under 16s. For products containing more than 32 milligrams of caffeine per 100 millilitres, the restriction will apply to anyone under 18.

 

Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy announced the move in Barcelona during a meeting with the Gasol Foundation, which campaigns against childhood obesity. He explained that the measure forms part of a national strategy to reduce access to unhealthy products and help children develop better eating habits.

 

According to data released by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, 9 out of 10 people in Spain support banning energy drink sales to under 16s. The same survey found that 25% of respondents drink energy drinks around twice a week, and almost half of consumers have at least one every day. Some 47% admitted they regularly mix them with alcohol.

 

The agency warned back in 2021 that excessive caffeine intake can lead to sleep problems, psychological and behavioural changes and even cardiovascular disorders.

 

The debate intensified in 2024 after a 14 year old boy in Madrid died from a heart attack after drinking an energy drink that contained a lethal mix of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

 

The government explained that similar restrictions already exist in countries including Germany and Lithuania, and in Spanish regions such as Galicia and Asturias. Ministers pointed out that introducing a nationwide rule would create consistency across the country.

 

The ban follows an earlier decree that already removed energy drinks from school cafeterias. Another proposal is now being prepared to tighten rules on advertising unhealthy food to children.

 

According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to junk food advertising increases calorie intake and encourages poor dietary habits. Spanish officials said children can see more than 4,000 adverts for unhealthy food each year on television alone, and that figure rises sharply once social media is included.

 

Image: Oto Zapletal via Wikimedia Commons