Lithuania has become the first European country to ban energy drink sales to consumers under the age of 18, according to reports.
The Baltic country enacted the ban on Saturday and will impose a LTL400 (US$146) fine on retailers caught selling to minors, AFP has reported. Officials in the country claim that high levels of taurine and caffeine in energy drinks can lead to hyperactivity and addiction in young people.
Maxima, a major supermarket chain in Lithuania, told AFP it will move its energy drinks to “less visible” locations because of the ban.
The energy drinks category has come under severe scrutiny in the US, with a number of lawsuits and investigations contributing to negative headlines in the last year. Producers have vigorously defended their products, maintaining they are safe.
