There is a majority in the Storting to introduce a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children under 16.
In the proposal of the health and social commission for a new public health report, there is a majority made up of Ap, Sp, Sv and Rødt, informs the Frp TV 2.
FRP health policy spokesman Bård Hoksrud disagrees with the ban.
– Most stores have set their own age limits. I think it was a good arrangement, but we have a government and parties here in the House that are concerned with regulating and introducing bans, says Hoksrud.
– People under 16 can get energy drinks anyway, he says and believes that informing children and young people would have been the way to go.
The sale of energy drinks has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, Norwegians drank 73 million liters of energy drink, more than ever, according to figures from The association of brewing and beverages.
According to a 2021 survey by the Consumer Council, 43% of children and young people said they drank energy drinks weekly or more often.
According to The Institute of Public Health.
Rødt says it was natural for them to support the proposal.
– We believe it is important for the state to take steps to ensure that children and young people have better health. Energy drinks are harmful to the health of children, especially those under the age of 16. Therefore, we believe it is the responsibility of politicians to limit access, Rødt’s parliamentary representative, Seher Aydar, tells TV 2.
The recommendation will be considered in the Storting on June 2. It is unclear when the ban will be introduced. It is up to the government to decide when that will happen.