Quebec will be the first province in Canada to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children under 16.
Only one local legislator opposed the bill. Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger told reporters on Thursday the new law – which will take effect in six months’ time – is a “good start”.
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The legislation would help open up discussions around issues like sugary drinks for teenagers, Canadian broadcaster CBC reported.
Trade body Canadian Beverage Association criticised the move. The organisation said the new law “imposes sweeping restrictions – including a ban on online and vending machine sales for adults – that are disproportionate and disconnected from the demonstrated level of risk”.
Krista Scaldwell, the association’s president, added: “The speed and fervour with which Bill 9 was advanced resulted in legislation that was not carefully examined, science-based, or fit for purpose. Effective policy requires not only good intentions, but the time and rigour to ensure it works as intended.”
In a post on Instagram, Bélanger said she was “very proud of the passage of legislation today to prevent the harmful effects of energy drinks on young people’s health”.
She added: “With this new law, we’re taking a concrete step to better protect our young people.”
