Alcoholic energy drinks have recently come under serious scrutiny after being linked to several incidents of consumer illness and criminal violations. The widely publicized episodes have resulted in multiple statewide bans, but there are some who would like to see things taken a step further; New York Legislator Lynne Nowick wants to keep any and all energy drinks out of the hands of children and teens.

 In December, the office of the Suffolk County legislator released a statement announcing her intention to ban the sale of energy drinks with more than 80mg of caffeine (the equivalent of a strong cup of coffee) to anyone under the age of nineteen. Nowick has said that she believes that energy drinks are potentially dangerous to children and young adults and that this legislation would help to protect them.  She cited FDA’s lack of regulation and possible negative interactions between ingredients contained in the drinks and prescribed medications as the leading reasons for the proposed ban.  If passed, the ban would be the first of its kind in the US, though in the past state legislatures in Maine and Kentucky have attempted to pass similar prohibitions to no avail.

 Additionally Legislator Nowick has proposed that signage be posted in all stores carrying energy drinks, warning of possible side effects. Fines for not posting these signs could be as much as $750.00.

 The propositions has proved to be polarizing ones; multiple medical researchers and watch groups have come out to publicly support the ban, while the American Beverage Association and local business owners have spoken out fervently against it.