Quebec has become the first jurisdiction in North America to restrict access to caffeinated energy drinks — to people under 16, in this case.
Bill 9, which imposed age-based restrictions on the purchase of energy drinks, was adopted in the National Assembly Thusday morning.
It passed with the backing of 103 MNAs. Only the Independent MNA for Saint-Jérôme, Youri Chassin, voted against the bill, while Conservative Maïté Blanchette Vézina and Independent Sona Lakhoyan Olivier abstained.
Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger told reporters on Thursday that the new legislation is a “good start” and helped open up discussions around issues like sugary drinks for teenagers.
“What’s important is that we were able to make a decision to protect youth under 16,” Bélanger said.
Teen’s death sparks proposed energy drink ban for Quebec youth
The bill, dubbed the “Zachary Miron Act,” came about after 15-year-old Miron died from drinking a can of Red Bull in combination with ADHD medication in 2024.
Quebec’s legislature is currently in the process of passing a slew of bills before the parliamentary sessions ends on Friday. This is the last session before the provincial election scheduled for October.
