Connecticut lawmakers once again seek to ban the sale of energy drinks to consumers younger than 16 years, as regulators and researchers raise concerns about the negative health impact of caffeine.
On March 5, the Connecticut Committee on Children proposed Connecticut House Bill 5261, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks containing more than 80mg of caffeine per nine fluid ounces and containing B vitamins, methylxanthines, one or more herbal ingredients, or energy blends to anyone younger than 16 years.
Retailers and establishments found in violation of the law would receive a warning on the first offense, a fine of no more than $200 for a second offense that occurs no more than two years after the first, and a fine of no more than $350 for subsequent violations that occur no more than two years from the prior offense.
If passed, the law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, and would require consumers to present a valid driver’s license or passport to verify their age, the bill stated. The bill is scheduled to be considered by the state House and Senate before Ma7 6, 2024.
Will Connecticut become the first state to restrict energy drink access?
Connecticut House Bill 5261 follows similar attempts to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children and teenagers. House Bill 5141 was proposed in 2020, but ultimately didn’t pass the chamber.
While the law would ban the sale of energy drinks to those under 16, “the bill doesn’t ban the ingestion of energy drink at any certain age. It’s simply the sale, which would make parents able to oversee the ingestion of the drinks for their children,” Liz Linehan (D), state representative for the 103rd District and proponent of the bill, shared during Tuesday’s meeting.
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