Savitaipale bans energy drinks for everyone in municipal facilities

South Karelia municipality Savitaipale has banned the consumption of energy drinks in all municipal facilities, including by adults, Yle reports. The ban took effect at the beginning of September.

The restriction applies to libraries, schools, youth centres, sports facilities and the municipal government building. Anyone seen drinking an energy drink on municipal premises will be asked to stop, but violations will not result in fines.

Savitaipale is reportedly the first municipality in Finland to prohibit energy drinks entirely in its facilities. Wellbeing director Aija Rautio compared the policy with the ban on smoking.

The municipality’s education and wellbeing committee approved the ban in August following a petition from the youth council. The petition said that young people’s energy drink consumption is influenced by availability, visibility and what is considered acceptable.

Peppi Haario, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, said the policy was positive because adults’ example has a significant influence on young people’s behaviour.

According to a youth nutrition study, 67 per cent of 12 to 20 year olds drink energy drinks at least occasionally. The Institute for Health and Welfare has also found that many young people feel they drink too many energy drinks or are dependent on them.

Vilma Sysiö, chair of Savitaipale’s youth council, said young people also drink energy drinks because of social pressure. They buy them with friends and drink them together, she said, comparing the practice with adults drinking coffee while talking.

Sysiö said the ban could reduce that pressure. The youth council has received only positive feedback on its petition and hopes other municipalities in South Karelia will follow Savitaipale’s example.