Quebec tables bill to ban energy drinks for those under 16

Health Minister Sonia Bélanger introduced a bill on Friday to ban energy drinks for those under 16.

All parties in the National Assembly support his approach, with the exception of independent MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina, who has been associated with the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) since March.

However, the support of all parliamentarians is needed to adopt the legislation on an expedited basis before the end of the session scheduled for June 12.

Bill 9 is intended as a response to the heartfelt plea of ​​the parents of Zachary Miron, a young man who died in 2024 at the age of 15, after the Red Bull he drank interacted with his ADHD medication.

In recent months, many actors in society, whether in the education, sports or health networks, have mobilized to support the Zachary Miron Movement. 

A citizen petition signed by more than 35,000 people was submitted to the National Assembly last month.

The bill tabled on Friday aims to “prevent the harmful effects of energy drinks on the health of young people.”

Specifically, it will require retailers to check identification before selling energy drinks and includes inspections, education and awareness campaigns aimed at young people in schools and communities. But even before the bill was introduced, some retailers had already taken action.

Familiprix pulled energy drinks from its shelves last month after the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec (OPQ) backed restrictions on sales to youth under 16.

In a statement Friday, Jean-François Desgagné, president of OPQ welcomed the tabling of Bill 9.

“The combination of psychostimulants and caffeinated energy drinks poses cardiovascular risks that can lead to serious, even fatal consequences,” the statement read. “With more than 20 per cent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 having been prescribed these medications in 2024, this risk is particularly concerning — all the more so given that the energy drink industry’s marketing is aimed squarely at young people.”

The bill defines an energy drink as a beverage that has a caffeine concentration of at least 150 mg/l and contains other ingredients, such as taurine, vitamins or minerals.

‘Fair and important’ bill

After the legislation was tabled in the House, Bélanger, visibly moved, greeted David Miron and Véronique Martinez, who were present in the galleries. 

Miron welcomed the government’s move, calling it a “fair and important” bill.

“We’re emotional,” Miron said. “This bill could prevent other families from going through what we went through.”

Martinez said the bill as important for young people like her son, adding “I’m relieved, but it’s not over yet.”

CityNews also spoke to many Quebecers who said energy drinks among children were a problem and welcomed the bill.

Karen Depauw, a retired teacher and a grandmother, said she has seen the effects of these drinks on young children first-hand. “They’re already over the top with the stimulation, and I think it’s great that that’s taken off,” Depauw said.

Montrealer Dominique Boucher said, “I think it’s just that we see that people get addicted to these and they pop them like crazy.”

Baran Keshtpoor, cashier and advertising manager at Danika Grocery Store, says she regularly sees students stopping by to buy energy drinks, often in groups after school.

“Now the weather is going a little bit more warm and harsh, so everybody prefers something like a cold drink,” Kestpoor said. “Unfortunately they prefer Monster, Red Bull and stuff like this.” 

“I don’t think kids should be drinking energy drinks,” said Susie Stobo. “I don’t think it’s healthy for them and I don’t think that they have the maturity to understand what could possibly happen, the reactions that they have.”

While another Montrealer said, “I don’t think they should be on the market altogether.”

Sass Whalen, who teaches grades 1-6 says, education should also be part of the solution.

“As teachers we can’t really control what goes on outside of the school, but we definitely try to educate them to be able to make better choices when they’re not with us,” Whalen said.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews