Important: Hungary to ban energy drink sales to under-18s

In recent months, Hungarian governing parties have been considering a significant change in their regulations regarding energy drink sales. Two Christian Democrat politicians, MP Lőrinc Nacsa and MP István Hollik, have submitted a bill to the Hungarian Parliament that proposes banning the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18. They argue that Brussels was the last barrier, but now they can vote on this issue in the Hungarian Parliament.

Background and rationale

The proposal follows a survey revealing that 78% of young people in Hungary consume energy drinks, with one in five children aged 10-14 regularly drinking them for breakfast. This widespread consumption has raised serious health concerns, as energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems of young people. Additionally, Hungary is struggling with obesity rates within the EU, and the number of overweight children is increasing.

Since 1 November 2011, the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmaceuticals has received nearly 565 reports of adverse symptoms and illnesses related to energy drink consumption. Of these incidents, 74% involved individuals under the age of 18, with symptoms ranging from dizziness and vomiting to more severe conditions, such as high blood pressure and chest pain.

Proposed legislation

The draft bill stipulates that selling or serving energy drinks to persons under 18 years old would be illegal. The proposed legislation also outlines that violators would face the same sanctions as those who break rules related to the sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or sexual products.

Impact and reactions

According to the MPs who proposed the bill, parents’ stories and strong pleas have confirmed that they must persevere and follow through with the ban despite all the opposition. Lőrinc Nacsa stressed that the proposal only had to be “pushed through” Brussels. It took longer than expected, but they finally succeeded. Now, all the obstacles have been cleared for it to be voted on in the spring session of Parliament, which is about to start.

“We Fidesz-KDNP will do this, we will protect our children”

– said the Christian Democrat politician.

The Hungarian Energy Drink Association has criticised the proposal, arguing that it discriminates against energy drinks compared to other caffeinated beverages like cola. They suggest that similar restrictions should apply to all drinks containing caffeine and sugar.

However, public opinion seems to support the ban, with many respondents agreeing that energy drinks should not be available to minors. The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the health of Hungarian youth, and it is likely to receive significant support from both politicians and the public.

Read also: One of Budapest’s largest slide playgrounds gets an exciting makeover – see the photos

Conclusion

The proposed ban on energy drink sales to minors in Hungary reflects growing concerns about the health impacts of these beverages on young people. Given the strong backing from both the government and the public, the bill is expected to face minimal opposition as it moves through the legislative process. This measure could set a precedent for similar regulations in other countries, highlighting the need for stricter controls on the sale of energy drinks to minors across Europe.