Energy Drink Ban Proposed In Chicago

Chicago, IL – A proposal by the city’s most powerful alderman would effectively ban energy drinks from being sold by area retailers.

Ald. Edward M. Burke wants beverages such as Monster, Red Bull, and 5 Hour Energy banned from retail shelves within the city limits. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee, believes the drinks pose a serious health risk to teenagers and young adults.

The proposed ordinance would slap offending retailers with a fine should they decide to sale or distribute the energy drinks. Offenders will be hit with a $100 fine the first time they break the law. After that, each offense will carry a price tag of $500. Those who continue to ignore the ordinance could lose their business licenses.

According to The Associated Press, the number of energy drink-related hospital visits increased quite a bit in recent years. A recent report revealed that the number of individual treated rose from 10,000 to 20,000 between 2007 and 2011.

The Inquisitr reported that the American Beverage Association has criticized the recent findings, stating that the facts have been taken out of context.

The organization said:

“This report does not share information about the overall health of those who may have consumed energy drinks, or what symptoms brought them to the ER in the first place. There is no basis by which to understand the overall caffeine intake of any of these individuals — from all sources.”

A similar measure was taken to curb the sale of energy drinks in Chicago last year. Alderman George Cardenas and William Burns attempted to pass an ordinance that would ban anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing the beverages. According to Red Eye Chicago, the proposal failed to find supporters.

The ordinance is currently awaiting approval from the City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Protection. The proposal will then move on to the City Council.

What do you think about the energy drink ban being proposed in Chicago? Do you think the sale of these beverages should be illegal?