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Quebec Passes Bill Banning Sale of Energy Drinks to Kids Under 16
The province would become the first in North America to impose age limits on caffeinated energy drinks, with fines up to $62,500 for businesses.
- On Thursday, Quebec legislators voted to ban energy drink sales to those under 16, making the province the first in Canada to enact such a restriction. The measure is dubbed the "Zachary Miron Act."
- The bill responds to the 2024 death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who died after a Red Bull he consumed interacted with his ADHD medication. Proponents argue energy drinks pose significant risks to youth beyond medication interactions.
- Vendors must now require government-issued photo ID for purchases, with online and vending machine sales prohibited. Violators face fines ranging from $100 for youth to $62,500 for businesses, with the law taking effect in six months.
- Despite broad support, the legislature fast-tracked the bill with 103 votes in favor, though Independent MNA Youri Chassin voted against it, calling the process rushed. Sona Lakhoyan Olivier abstained from the final vote.
- Government officials must publish a follow-up report on the law's effectiveness two years after enforcement begins, while the Canadian Beverage Association argued existing Health Canada-mandated warning labels already provide sufficient protection.
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The bill prohibiting energy drinks for children under 16 in Quebec has been passed and will come into force in six months.
·Montreal, Canada
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On Thursday, Quebec became the first Canadian jurisdiction to legislate on energy drinks.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources37
Leaning Left27Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Left
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources lean Left
84% Left
L 84%
13%
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