EBN- Alexander Tolmachev, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy , announced that a ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors in Russia will be implemented from March 1.
From March 1, a ban will be imposed on the sale of energy drinks to minors. If the seller has doubts about the age of the buyer, he will be obliged to ask for a document proving his identity, such as a passport. If the young man or woman cannot provide the document or refuses to do so, the seller will have to refuse to complete the sale,” Tolmachev told RIA Novosti.
He added: “All this is a logical continuation of the policy aimed at protecting children from various toxins. I would like to mention that the penalties for the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes, to minors have been tightened.”
“Energy drinks are often misinterpreted by adults and children alike. They are not just soft drinks, which are also considered unhealthy, or even coffee. They are a strong dose of caffeine that can have an unexpected effect on a growing body,” he continued.
“Some teenagers buy energy drinks just for fun instead of alcohol, to look sexy and special, others to feel energetic and energetic themselves, and the result is usually an ambulance call, early onset of cardiovascular disease, or even heart attacks at the age of 20. Unfortunately, children don’t think about this, and neither do many parents,” the Russian parliamentarian added.
Tolmachov noted that there have been cases where people have had to seek medical help after consuming two cans of an energy drink.
65 entities in the Russian Federation have so far adopted similar restrictions
He explained that the law allows Russian regions to impose a ban on the sale of non-alcoholic energy drinks in schools, hospitals, sports facilities, museums and theaters independently.
He pointed out that 65 entities in the Russian Federation have so far adopted similar restrictions at the regional level.
“The regions have organized this issue independently and consciously, and it can be said that the Duma has supported the calls coming from the regions at the federal level,” he added.
Tolmachev stressed that the next step is a draft law that will set fines for violations of up to 50,000 rubles for individuals, 200,000 for employees, and up to half a million rubles for legal entities, which has now received government approval.
He noted that Moscow had imposed a ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors some time ago, and fines were up to 150,000 rubles, and in different regions there were various penalties, and now they are being unified according to a single federal rule.
In conclusion, Tolmachov advised adults not to consume energy drinks, take care of their heart health, and get enough sleep and rest.
