Government indicates their intention to restrict general availability and ban under 18’s from purchasing energy drinks.
The Programme for Government has a commitment contained within it to address concerns expressed by some that energy drinks with high levels of caffeine ( 150mg per litre) in non-alcoholic beverages need to be regulated.
It has also been suggested that regulations for such energy drinks that have additional stimulants such as Taurine may be prescribed where the caffeine content is 80mg per litre.
A Private Members Bill sponsored by a number of Independent Senators was given a Second Stage debate with Minister for State in the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O Connor in attendance. During the debate, the Minister committed to having all of the necessary scientific evidence assembled to create a robust Bill that would be in keeping with the PMB but would also have benefitted from consultation with what the Minister called “key stakeholders ” in the consumption of energy drinks.
As it is likely that any moves to restrict, regulate and prohibit sales of energy drinks will have significant consequences to our members, the Association has written to the Minister for State, whose remit includes Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs strategy and suggested that prior to any formulation of a Bill, she needs to ensure that the legitimate concerns retailers have towards creating penalties and sanctions need to be taken into account.
The Seanad accepted a Government amendment to the PMB that allowed for an 18 month hiatus on any further consideration of the Bill pending stated progress towards a Government Bill (November 2026).
