The Norwegian Government is moving forward with plans to implement a ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 16 years old. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Health Jan Christian Vestre, aims to protect young people’s health from the high caffeine content found in these popular beverages.
Concerns over health effects prompt government action
In 2023, the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) approved an age limit of 16 years for purchasing energy drinks. Now, Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre is finalizing the practical regulations to enforce this ban.
“Large amounts of caffeine are directly harmful to children under 16,” stated Vestre. “It’s necessary to protect children and young people from the negative health effects associated with energy drinks.”
A consultation process on the regulations will conclude on June 14, 2025. The government hopes the restrictions can be enforced immediately thereafter.
Energy drink: increased consumption raises alarms
The Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) supports the proposed ban, expressing concern about the escalating consumption among children as young as ten years old. Energy drinks, known for their high caffeine content, have been linked to sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, anxiety, and dental issues.
“The consumption among very young children has increased significantly,” said Inger Lise Blyverket, director of the Consumer Council. “An age restriction is important to safeguard the health of our youth.”
Mixed reactions among politicians and public
Despite parliamentary consensus, the ban has sparked debate. Progress Party (Frp) spokesperson on health, Bård Hoksrud, criticized the measure as unnecessary interference, calling it “paternalistic.”
“We shouldn’t prohibit everything we dislike,” Hoksrud argued. He suggested that stores already voluntarily manage the issue sufficiently by enforcing a 14-year age limit. He believes the ban might backfire, making energy drinks more appealing to youths.
Minister Vestre strongly disagreed, dismissing such concerns as baseless.
“I don’t believe that argument at all. Following this logic, we might as well allow tobacco and alcohol sales to minors. Society has norms for a reason,” countered Vestre.
Youth support but question effectiveness
Young Norwegians appear largely in favor of the age restriction, though some question whether it will be effective in practice.
“These drinks aren’t meant for young kids. They are supposed to be for adults,” said 13-year-old Karoline Ålovsrud during a recent meeting with Minister Vestre in Skjetten. Her 11-year-old brother, Håkon, expressed doubts, believing that some children will find ways around the rules.
Energy drink ban: enforcement and compliance measures
The Norwegian government expects businesses to comply with the new regulations once enacted. While specific penalties are not yet detailed, Vestre clarified that non-compliance would certainly carry consequences.
“We believe most businesses in Norway respect the law,” Vestre concluded, emphasizing that control mechanisms similar to other age-related restrictions would be in place.
