Government proposes barring energy drink sales to under-16s

Yle reports that the government has submitted a bill to Parliament that would prohibit selling or giving energy drinks to anyone under 16.

The proposed ban would also cover free distribution, such as at events. Sellers would have to refuse a sale if there were reasonable grounds to suspect the drink would go to someone under 16.

The government says the measure aims to reduce the harmful effects of caffeine in energy drinks on children and young people. The drinks are defined as non-alcoholic beverages containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre.

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s youth nutrition study, half of 12- to 17-year-olds consume energy drinks at least once a week.

There is currently no legal age limit, although many retailers have voluntarily restricted sales to minors. The proposed law would standardise the rules nationwide and is expected to take effect in late 2027.