INDIANA, (WOWO) – Energy drinks may become illegal for those under 18 years old if a newly proposed bill is passed by the Senate.
Our partners in news at ABC 21 report Senate Bill 369 aims to make it a class C misdemeanor to sell, give or distribute an energy drink to someone less than 18 years of age.
The bill was introduced on January 10.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says up to 50 percent of adolescents report consuming energy drinks. The CDC also reports that while stimulants such as energy drinks can increase alertness and attention, that can also have a harmful effect on the nervous system.
If the bill is passed, getting caught with an energy drink while underage would have the same consequence as a first-time driving under the influence offense when the driver’s BAC is less than .15.
2 comments
This is what we learned in school as tyranny – when the government dictates what people can and cannot eat, what toilets they have to use, what lightbulbs are allowed. This is ridiculous. If this passes, soda will be outlawed within a decade. Someone has a burr up their behind and has a personal vendetta against energy drink companies. This is as ridiculous as it is scary. Power corrupts quickly without the balance of right thinking.
Todd. This is aimed at protecting minors only. Should we let them have tobacco and maybe some alcohol! I am against big government as much as anyone. These drinks are actually killing kids! If u would educate yourself, you would actually find that it is safer for a 15 yr to steal some cigarettes and smoke them than it is for them to drink this stuff!