Chechnya sets up commission to restrict sale of energy drinks

Ban on sale of energy drinks to minors can be introduced in the Chechen Republic in the nearest future. According to experts, regular consumption of energy drinks can cause serious health problems.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by an official from the local Ministry of Public Health that "energy drinks, or, as they are often referred to as 'energetics', are very popular in recent years, especially among the youth."

"Although energy drinks are nonalcoholic, and they do not contain any narcotic or psychoactive substances; however, they cause the same addiction, as drugs," stressed the source of the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"We decided to set up a special commission of experts, which will examine in detail the issue of energy drinks and draft proposals for the republic's leaders and the federal centre on restriction of sale of such drinks. In particular, it is planned to ban the sale of such beverages to persons under the age of 18," said the official from the Ministry of Public Health.

Two years ago Chechnya introduced the ban on sale of alcoholic beverages during the daytime. Now, sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed only in specialized stores during the period from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. Besides, last year the ban on the sale of certain types of smoking mixes came into force in the territory of Chechnya.