A group of MPs have presented a proposal to raise the legal age for consuming energy drinks from 18 to 21.
This is aimed at addressing the health risks associated with the consumption of such beverages, according to the move spearheaded by five members of Parliament, led by Muneer Suroor.
They say such drinks should be treated on par with cigarettes and tobacco, with bottles and cans moved to secure locations.
The proposal also aims to prevent children and adolescents from having easy access to the products by controlling their display in public areas.
If implemented, energy drinks would no longer be stocked in open refrigerators alongside juices and soft drinks but placed in secure areas to limit visibility and accessibility.
Bahrain currently imposes a 100 per cent sin tax on energy drinks and tobacco products, while soft drinks are taxed at 50pc.
Mr Suroor underscored the dangers of energy drink addiction and the need for parity in the treatment of harmful products.
“The government is very strict on smoking, but energy drinks are left out,” he said.
The five MPs argue, in their written reasoning, that current regulations do not go far enough to curb the consumption of energy drinks, particularly among young people.
“High caffeine and sugar content in these beverages have been linked to a range of health issues, including heart problems, obesity and behavioural changes in young people.”
Mr Suroor said children and teenagers are the most vulnerable as they often consume these drinks without understanding the potential risks. “Energy drinks are marketed as performance boosters or lifestyle enhancers, but the reality is far from it.”
He pointed to studies that suggest energy drink addiction is a growing problem, with some individuals consuming multiple cans a day, leading to long-term health issues.
“We need to send a clear message to the public, especially parents, that energy drinks are not harmless beverages,” said Mr Suroor.
“They are addictive and harmful, and we have a responsibility to protect the younger generation.”
The MPs are also calling for increased public awareness campaigns about the risks of energy drinks, similar to the anti-smoking campaigns launched in recent years.
The proposal has sparked a debate with some people welcoming stricter regulations while others believe that personal responsibility should play a larger role.
A Bahraini parent of three under-18 boys, Eftikhar Al Maaraj, expressed her support for the proposal.
“I’ve seen children as young as 10 buying energy drinks from supermarkets. It’s alarming. This law is necessary to protect our children from making unhealthy choices.”
Others argue that raising the age limit to 21 might be excessive.
“At 18, people are considered adults and can make their own decisions,” said Ahmed Khalil, a university student.
“We should focus on education rather than imposing more restrictions.”
Parliament’s services committee member and well-known dermatologist Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh said excessive consumption of energy drinks can lead to serious health problems, including heart palpitations, anxiety and even cardiac arrest in severe cases.
“Regulating access to these drinks is a positive step for public health,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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