Small cold stores could be banned from selling energy drinks over concern that too many of the cans and bottles are being consumed by children.
The ‘dangerous’ products that many of Bahrain’s teens are hooked on contain more teeth-rotting sugar than cola and more sleep-sapping caffeine than coffee.
An urgent proposal, spearheaded by Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, has been tabled following a barrage of complaints from concerned citizens. “Unfortunately, energy drinks intended for adults are being consumed by children,” he claimed.
Mr Al Naar
Although it is illegal to sell energy drinks to Under-18s, he blames small outlets for failing to follow the rules. “Energy drinks are being sold in many cold stores to anyone and without any regard to checking the age of the customers.
“You can witness children walking down the road drinking the cans every day of the week.
“The ban we are seeking will hopefully restrict sales to only main, respected hypermarkets.
“We have to act now as families have voiced growing concerns over the issue.”
Studies are mounting to show a variety of problems, from medical emergencies caused by a high consumption of energy drinks such as acute mania and stroke, to an increased risk in young people of serious mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
In the cases of some vulnerable people, high consumption of energy drinks has even been linked to sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers in the US published a study indicating that they can raise the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, a condition known as arrhythmia.
The topic will be urgently listed during the council’s final regular meeting of the term today.
The council is also set to hold talks with Parliament’s services committee next month to look into a possible age increase for consumers from 18 to 20 years.
High consumption of energy drinks has even been linked to sudden cardiac arrest
Another study conducted by the US University of Nevada accused energy drink makers of heavily marketing the products to a young audience.
“Energy drinks and kids don’t mix. Some parents may not know that energy drinks can actually be harmful for kids’ health. Most health professionals agree that energy drinks should be avoided among children and limited for adults,” the study found.
“Energy drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine. If children have too much caffeine, it can lead to serious, life threatening heart problems.
“High amounts of caffeine in kids can also cause sleep disruptions, which can lead to less attention and focus during the day.
“Energy drinks are also a source of added sugar to diets. On average, an energy drink has nine teaspoons of added sugar in one 12 ounce serving!
“Excess sugar in kids’ diets can lead to unwanted weight gain, cavities and higher risk for developing type two diabetes. For kids who are active and play sports, water is the best drink to keep your kids hydrated.”
Mr Al Naar has referenced multiple other studies highlighting the dangers. “We could fill a Britannica encyclopedia with the dangers of energy drinks, as multiple expert studies have highlighted,” he added.
“For now, our ban will serve the intended purpose but Parliament needs to work with us on increasing the consumption age from 18 to 20, as we attempt to further limit their reach.”
An excise duty ‘sin tax’ was introduced on energy drinks in 2018 that resulted in price rises of 100 per cent but councillors believe more needs to be done.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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