ArmInfo. In Armenia, minors will be deprived of the opportunity to purchase energy drinks. The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia is discussing amendments to the law "On Trade and Services" and a package of related documents at a plenary session on January 20.
Co-author of the presented package, NA deputy from the ruling "Civil Contract" faction Alkhas Ghazaryan noted that with their adoption, legal grounds will be introduced to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children under 18. Advertising these types of drinks outside the established time entails administrative liability. The sale of energy drinks to minors through coffee machines and other technical means will also be prohibited. Violation of the requirements of the law entails the application of administrative measures.
On November 6, the Armenian Ministry of Health issued a statement warning about the harm of energy drinks for children. These drinks, as noted by the department, contain a large amount of caffeine, sugar and stimulants that negatively affect metabolism. "Energy drinks should not be included in the diet of children," the ministry said in a statement. The effect of energy drinks can be expressed in increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety and restlessness, sleep disturbances, and dehydration. In extreme cases, abnormal heart rhythms, acute renal failure and seizures are possible.
According to the RA Ministry of Health, the number of children and adolescents consuming energy drinks is growing every year. Recent studies have shown that about 40% of school-age children consume energy drinks at least once a week.