The government of Spain is preparing legislation to ban the sale of energy drinks to minors and tighten restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods, aiming to protect the health of children and adolescents.

As announced by the Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, Pablo Bustinduy, the proposed regulation will prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16. For beverages with a high caffeine content — more than 32 mg per 100 ml — the minimum age will be raised to 18.

The measure forms part of a broader package focused on children’s health. Similar rules already exist in some regions. In Galicia, a regulation banning both the sale and consumption of energy drinks for those under 18 will soon take effect, while Asturias is drafting legislation with the same age limit. The central government now aims to harmonize the criteria nationwide and establish a uniform regulatory framework.

Sources at the ministry noted that the draft legislation is still being finalized, as the bill must complete the formal drafting process and meet Cabinet deadlines before approval.

The proposed ban will complement other recent initiatives. Last week, the Consumer Commission added energy drinks to the list of unhealthy products subject to advertising restrictions aimed at minors. In 2024, a royal decree on healthy and sustainable school meals already prohibited their sale in schools and secondary education centers.

Nine out of ten Spaniards support the initiative

The proposal is supported by survey data from the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), which found that nine out of ten people in Spain back the ban. Among respondents aged 18 to 35, support stands at 88.3%.

The study also provides insight into consumption habits: 25% of respondents said they consume energy drinks on average twice a week; 49% of those who drink them have at least one per day; and 47% regularly mix them with alcohol.

The legislation also draws on a 2021 report by a scientific committee that warned of the risks associated with energy drink consumption. The report concluded that high caffeine intake can lead to sleep disturbances, psychological and behavioral effects, and cardiovascular problems.

Tighter regulation of food advertising aimed at children

In addition, another regulation is awaiting approval that would further restrict food advertising directed at children. Bustinduy has said the goal is to reduce minors’ exposure to ultra-processed and unhealthy foods and beverages that negatively influence their eating habits.

“These advertisements are harmful to their health,” the minister stressed, calling on companies in the sector to uphold their responsibility not to promote products that undermine children’s right to health in Spain.

Citing the same survey findings, Bustinduy noted that eight out of ten citizens believe all advertising of unhealthy products aimed at minors should be banned, highlighting what he described as broad public support for stricter regulation.