Spain Bans Energy Drink Sales to Minors: New Regulations & Age Limits
Spain Moves to Ban Energy Drink Sales to Under-16s Amid Growing Health Concerns
Madrid – The Spanish government is preparing to enact a nationwide ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors under the age of 16, a move driven by increasing concerns over the health risks associated with high-caffeine beverages. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy announced the forthcoming regulation on Wednesday, , as part of a broader effort to protect young people from unhealthy food and beverage marketing practices.
The new rules will also restrict access for those aged 16 and 17 to energy drinks containing more than 32 milligrams of caffeine per 100 milliliters. This tiered approach reflects a growing understanding of the potential impact of these drinks on developing bodies and minds.
The decision follows two years of debate and enjoys significant public support. According to a recent barometer commissioned by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), 91 percent of respondents believe that the sale of energy drinks should be prohibited to minors. Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed indicated that the ban should extend to even younger age groups.
Minister Bustinduy justified the measure by pointing to studies demonstrating the detrimental effects of regular energy drink consumption on young people. The AESAN has warned that excessive intake of caffeine, sugar and other stimulants can lead to sleep disturbances, psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, behavioral problems, and even cardiovascular disorders, particularly among daily drinkers.
The ban builds upon existing regulations already in place across the country, including a prohibition on the sale of energy drinks in schools – encompassing cafeterias, canteens, and vending machines – which was implemented last year. This latest move aims to create a unified national standard and further limit access for young people.
The initiative comes as energy drink consumption has surged in Spain over the past decade, increasing by almost 40 percent. Data suggests that one in four Spanish residents consumes energy drinks approximately twice a week.
Beyond the ban on sales to minors, the government is also preparing to unveil a proposal to regulate advertising of unhealthy foods, aligning Spain with recommendations from the World Health Organization and mirroring measures adopted in several other European countries, including Portugal, Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden. This broader effort reflects a growing recognition of the need to shield children from marketing that promotes nutritionally poor products.
The government’s actions are supported by findings from a report by the Gasol Foundation, which indicates that 80 percent of children and adolescents in Spain regularly consume unhealthy foods and drinks. Minister Bustinduy has described this as a significant public health priority.
The strong public backing for the ban extends across demographic groups, with 88 percent of respondents aged 18-35 also supporting the restrictions. More than half of all respondents expressed a desire to see the ban broadened to include all underage children, highlighting the widespread concern over the potential health consequences of energy drink consumption.