Minors in Armenia Will No Longer Be Able to Purchase Energy Drinks

The Armenian National Assembly has adopted, in the second reading and in full, a package of amendments to the law on "Trade and Services." From now on, minors will not be able to purchase energy drinks from shops and supermarkets in Armenia.

According to co-author Alkhaz Ghazaryan, the aim of the bill is to promote public health protection and the healthy lifestyle of the younger generation. He reminded that during the regular session of the National Assembly on January 20, he presented the proposal to define the concept of "energy drinks" and to prohibit their sale to individuals under the age of 18.

The bill also intends to limit the advertising possibilities of these products and to establish administrative liability for violations of the restrictions. Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan emphasized that the main rationale is that short-term economic benefits are subordinate to long-term ones, as public health is viewed from the perspective of the economy as a long-term tool.

Public health is considered more important than short-term economic benefits that could arise from additional sales of these products.