Energy drinks alcohol mix ban called by Foundation
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), has called for a ban on the sale of premixed alcohol and energy drink (AED) products in Australia.
Research into consumption habits, commissioned by FARE and undertaken by Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, found that young people in Australia are regularly consuming between three and five alcohol and energy drinks a night, and some drinking as many as ten.
Turning Point’s lead researcher, Amy Pennay, said that mixing alcohol and energy drinks results in increased heart-rate, increased likelihood of vomiting, sleeplessness and a worse hangover.
She said, “Alcohol and energy drinks are routinely used by young people to stay out longer than they normally would be able to, resulting in them ignoring their bodies messages that it’s time to call it a night.”
FARE has called for:
- Banning pre-mixed alcohol and energy drinks;
- Banning promotions on mixing alcohol and energy drinks in licensed premises;
- Public education on the potential damages that can result from mixing alcohol and energy drinks;
- Labeling energy drinks with warnings about the potential harms associated with mixing alcohol and energy drinks;
- Asking liquor licensing authorities to investigate whether energy drinks should be sold on licensed premises.
Regulatory measures of AEDs made overseas
In America last year the US Food and Drug Administration moved to ban premixed alcohol and energy drinks, while in Norway the drinks can now only be sold through pharmacies. Meanwhile, Canada has revised its labeling laws to require a warning on energy drinks packaging to warn consumers against mixing with alcohol.
Michael Thorn, Chief Executive of FARE, said, “We are just starting to come to terms with the potential problems with these drinks and in light of the overseas experience we strongly believe the Australian Government needs to take action.’
After watching 60 Minutes last night I have been awakened to the dangers of premixed energy drinks. I never realised they had such potential risks for todays young drinker.
As a parent of 13 and 16 year old girls I know that there is/has been the temptation to drink these already and I am very worried of the risks involved with not just being a drinker but also being around others who are drinking these concoctions. It is interesting to see that we must follow (and most probably in this case) years later in banning abuse of a product.
I understand the problem is not going to simply disappear by taking away the premixed drinks – the alcohol and energy drinks will still exist. What can we do? How do we make the government move on this one?