Connecticut House Bill HB07007

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/19
• Refer: 1/31/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Sale Of Energy Drinks To Persons Under Sixteen Years Of Age.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would introduce significant changes to state laws surrounding the sale of energy drinks. Specifically, it would impose penalties on retailers who provide these beverages to underage consumers. The fines range from $200 for a first offense to $500 for repeated violations within a twenty-four-month period. Additionally, sellers would be required to demand proper proof of age from customers whose age is in question, reinforcing the necessity for diligence in enforcing this law.

Summary

House Bill 07007 aims to prohibit the sale, delivery, or giving of energy drinks to individuals under the age of sixteen. This legislation seeks to enhance public health protection by addressing concerns linked to the consumption of highly caffeinated beverages by minors. The bill stipulates specific definitions, such as what constitutes an energy drink and the responsibilities of sellers regarding age verification. The bill is also designed to implement compliance measures, including fines for violators and mandates for public health information dissemination.

Contention

The subject of energy drinks remains contentious among health advocates and industry stakeholders. Supporters of HB 07007 argue it is a necessary step to protect the health of young individuals, citing studies that link high caffeine intake in children and adolescents to various health issues, including increased heart rate and anxiety. Conversely, some opponents may argue that it infringes on personal choice and the autonomy of parents to regulate what their children can consume. The enforcement of the bill may also face challenges, particularly concerning the implementation of age-checking processes and the potential economic impact on sellers of energy drinks.