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February 19, 2008
The Nanny-ization of Maine Continues
A Portland legislator wants to ban the sale of energy drinks to those under 18.
If state Rep. Troy Jackson could have it his way, though, the Portland teenager could forget about buying Red Bull until she is 18.As the story points out, though, these drinks actually contain less caffeine than an average cup of coffee at Starbucks. Are we going to regulate coffee sales as well? The legislator in question complains that one has to contact the company to determine how much caffeine is in these drinks.Concerned that energy drinks pack too much of a punch and target young people with names such as "No Fear" and "Rock Star," the Allagash Democrat wants to ban the sale of the most heavily caffeinated of the drinks to minors.
Jackson's bill calls for fining violators $50 for an infraction, $100 for the second time, and $500 for any subsequent offenses.
Sharing Jackson's concerns about energy drinks are public health advocates, who say the sugar content is just as troubling as the caffeine levels, and educators who worry that the drinks overstimulate students and make them act out.
Well, yes. You could do that. Or you could just type "caffeine energy drinks" into Google and get pages like this. Of course, the legislature may not like that site because it shows just how ridiculous it is to single out energy drinks based on caffeine content.
I guess we shouldn't confuse legislators with the facts, though. They're doing this for the children.
Posted by slublog at February 19, 2008 09:26 AM
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