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The Aussie town where energy drinks are treated the same way as smoking: Kids under the age of 18 are BANNED from buying the popular beverages as calls grow to spread ban nationwide
- Small WA town of Bridgetown bans energy drinks for four months
- The ban is part of a health project, led by children’s research body
- Speculation the findings could lead to a national ban for under-18s
An Australian town has banned the sale of energy drinks to under-18s in an effort to curb ‘anti-social behaviour’ and improve mental health – but teenagers are not impressed.
The wildly popular drinks are not sold to anyone 17 or younger at any of the main stores in Bridgetown, a small town three hours south of Perth, during a four-month trial.
The ban is part of a research project by the Telethon Kids Institute, which could help policymakers explore a national ban of energy drinks for under-18s.
GP Sarah Youngson suspects energy drinks could be linked to some anti-social behaviour by young people
A Bridgetown cafe owner, Laurel Keenan, said she would uphold the ban by treating energy drinks the same as cigarettes.
She will ask for ID before selling them and if the buyer is under 18, they’ll be refused service, the ABC reported.
GP Sarah Youngson, who supports the ban, said her work with patients showed increased anxiety and insomnia in young people is linked to the use of energy drinks.
Now Dr Youngson suspects the drinks might be responsible for other behaviours too.
‘It had been brought to my attention that there were some issues around town with some antisocial behaviour, young people being a little bit impulsive and a bit erratic,” she said.
An Australian town has banned the sale of energy drinks to under-18s in an effort to curb ‘anti-social behaviour’ and improve mental health
Local teenagers and young people from Bridgetown, WA were not impressed by the ban
Local teenagers and young people were not impressed by the ban.
‘I’m not mad about it, but I’m not like super happy either,’ said one teenage girl.
‘Personally, for me it’s not the best,’ said a young man.
On social media young people reacted negatively too.
‘For real Bridgetown!?? I’m glad I’m over 18 and glad I moved away!’ wrote one woman on Facebook.
‘So funny! P.S it’s not the energy drinks doing [causing mental health issues]!’
Researchers will study the behaviour of school children though surveys with students, parents and retail outlets before and after ban period.
Prolonged use of energy drinks is already believed to have potentially negative impacts on physical health.
Those include affecting the heart and cardiovascular system and causing high blood pressure.
