Mallorca energy drink ban carries €60,000 fines
Shops across the Balearics face fines of €6,001 to €60,000 if they sell, supply or give energy drinks to anyone under 18. Parliament in Palma approved the measure unanimously on Wednesday, 9 September.
The Mallorca energy drink ban puts the drinks under the same under-age sales restrictions as alcohol and tobacco. The Balearic Government says the move is meant to protect children and teenagers.
Health Minister Manuela García pointed to what she called a worrying rise in young people using certain products, including energy drinks and nitrous oxide for recreational use — commonly known as laughing gas. She said these habits could affect physical and neurological development.
Which drinks are covered
The rule covers non-alcoholic drinks containing at least 15 milligrams of caffeine per 100 millilitres. They commonly contain sugar and stimulants including taurine, guarana or glucuronolactone.
According to the Estudes 2023 survey, 47.7% of 14- to 18-year-old students had drunk energy drinks in the previous month. Some 19.5% said they had mixed them with alcohol during the same period.
The Government links the drinks to risks including obesity, type 2 diabetes and a higher cardiovascular risk. It says mixing them with alcohol can make people feel less drunk, encourage greater consumption and increase risky behaviour.
Shops must change age checks
Supermarkets, large retail outlets, smaller shops and distributors will need to alter their sales procedures and age-verification checks to comply with the new rule. The Government acknowledges this will mean a substantial adjustment for businesses.
PSIB and MÉS per Mallorca backed action to protect young people but argued that the decree does not go far enough. PSIB’s request to process it as a full bill was rejected by PP and Vox.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com