Politics & Government

Rep. Fine Pushes Energy Drink Ban

House Bill 2379 out of the Illinois Human Services Committee with the help of State Rep. Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

State Rep. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) recently helped push House Bill 2379 out of the Human Services, bringing Illinois one step closer to banning the sale of energy drinks to people under 18, according to a press release.

“As a mom of two teenagers, it is startling to learn about all the side effects associated with the consumption of energy drinks,” Fine said in the release. “In the same way that we protect our children from alcohol or tobacco, this bill will prevent our children from consuming dangerous levels of chemical stimulants.”

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This proposed legislation would effect energy drinks such as 5-Hour Energy, Monster and Red Bull, which contain large amounts of caffeine, along with other chemical stimulants and herbs.

Studies have linked health problems such as seizures, high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats with children's energy drink consumption, according to the release. Likewise, emergency room visits by people seeking treatment after consuming energy drinks more than doubled in the past four years, according to the release.

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“Children are especially more susceptible to the adverse effects of high doses of caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks. Children have lower body mass and less tolerance for these compounds compared to a caffeine tolerant adult," Fine said in the release. "Considering the severe and potentially life threatening side effects of energy drinks, our children should not be able to buy these drinks in the same way they buy a bottle of water."

For more information on legislation, contact Rep. Fine’s constituent service office at (847) 998-1717 or RepFine@gmail.com.


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