The law-in-draft on the ban on the sale of energy drinks to children passed the first reading

Deputies of the Supreme Council adopted in the first reading the draft of the new law "On the ban on the sale of non-alcoholic tonic drinks (including energy drinks) to minors". Its authors were the Chairperson of the Committee on Legislation, Protection of Citizens' Rights and Freedoms Galina Antyufeeva and her deputy Grigory Dyachenko, who initiated the changes based on citizens' appeals.

The legislationsprohibiting the sale of vapes to minors were adopted this summer, at the initiative of a group of deputies of the Committee. According to parliamentarians, children and adolescents should also be protected from energy drinks. However, this product is currently freely available.

One can of energy drink contains caffeine from 150 to 320 milligrams. World Health Organization recommends that adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is approximately equal to 3 cups of coffee. Accordingly, a minor drinking 1 can of energy drink consumes about 2 cups of coffee at a time. Energy drinks contain other tonic components in addition to caffeine: taurine, guarana extract, as well as stabilizers and dyes.

The Russian Federation recently adopted a law banning the sale of energy drinks to children. The norm will come into force on March 1, 2025.

The Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic will consider the law-in-draft in the second reading in the near future. Administrative liability for violating the law will be prescribed. Sellers and trading companies may face a fine.

The amount of fines will be discussed during the consideration of the law-in-draft in the second reading. The authors proposed introducing a fine for citizens (sellers) in the amount of up to 40 minimum wages (up to 736 rubles). For officials and individual entrepreneurs, the penalties will be higher - from 40 to 90 minimum wages (from 736 to 1656 rubles), for legal entities - from 90 to 120 minimum wages (from 1656 to 2208 rubles).

The Chairman of the Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Public Associations, Sports, Information and Youth Policy Igor Buga spoke in support of the law-in-draft on the ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors.

The specialized Committee on Social Policy and Healthcare will continue to work on the law-in-draft "On the ban on the sale of non-alcoholic tonic drinks (including energy drinks) to minors" adopted in the first reading and on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Deputies of the Supreme Council in addition are studying another issue of concern to voters, it concerns the weight of backpacks. Deputy inquiry was sent to the Government.