The Balearic Islands are introducing a ban from today, 12 August, on the sale, supply or delivery of energy drinks to minors throughout the region. The measure comes into force following the publication of the Decree-Law on urgent public health protection measures in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB).
The new regulation places energy drinks under specific sales restrictions designed to strengthen the protection of children and adolescents. Retail establishments must now prevent their sale to anyone under the age of 18 and adapt their age-verification procedures to ensure compliance with the new rules.
For the purposes of the regulation, energy drinks are defined as non-alcoholic beverages containing high levels of caffeine, equal to or greater than 15 milligrams per 100 millilitres. These products also commonly contain sugar and other stimulant ingredients, including taurine, guarana and glucuronolactone.
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Ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors comes into force today in the Balearic Islands
The measure responds to growing concern about the consumption of energy drinks among young people and the potential health risks associated with them. Available figures show that 47.7% of students aged between 14 and 18 had consumed energy drinks during the previous month, while 19.5% reported mixing them with alcohol during the same period.
Frequent consumption of energy drinks is associated with a number of potential health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. Combining energy drinks with alcohol is of particular concern because it may reduce the perception of intoxication, encourage greater alcohol consumption and increase the likelihood of risky behaviour.
Protecting children and adolescents from these risks is the main objective of the new regulation. Energy drinks are therefore now subject to restrictions on sales to minors similar to those already applied to alcohol and tobacco.
The legislation also establishes penalties for non-compliance. Selling, supplying or providing energy drinks to minors is classified as a serious offence under the Balearic Islands legislation on drug dependency and other addictions. Fines can range from €6,001 to €60,000.
The introduction of the ban also requires supermarkets, large retail outlets, small businesses and distributors to adapt their sales procedures. Establishments will need to strengthen age-verification measures and ensure that their internal systems comply with the new requirements.
Cooperation from the retail and distribution sectors will be essential for the effective implementation of the measure across the Balearic Islands. The adaptation of sales procedures is intended to reinforce prevention and provide greater protection for children and adolescents against the health risks associated with energy drink consumption.