Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: In a serious bid to regulate the consumption of high-caffeine beverages among youth, the Maharashtra Government on July 4 announced a comprehensive ban on the sale of high energy drinks like Sting within a 500-metre radius of schools across the state.
The directive was issued in the State Legislative Assembly by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal, following a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute.
Raising the issue in the House, MLA Vikram Pachpute highlighted the severe health hazards posed by the popular energy drink.
He claimed that while the drink technically complies with certain manufacturing regulations, it is highly addictive for school-going children.
“The bottles themselves carry a warning stating that the drink is not suitable for children and pregnant women. Yet, it is being freely sold right outside school premises. In terms of its long-term impact on children, this energy drink is proving to be more hazardous than liquor,” Pachpute argued, demanding an immediate ban.
Responding to the concerns, FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal conceded that the energy drink was indeed being widely distributed around educational institutions. He assured the Assembly that the state would strictly enforce a 500-metre restriction zone around schools, banning not just narcotics but also energy drinks.
Expanding the scope of the debate, BJP MLA Rahul Kul demanded a broader investigation into substance abuse and food adulteration around schools.
