New York County Bans Marketing of Energy Drinks to Minors

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.County lawmakers have given the energy-drink market a roundhouse punch, reflecting growing concerns that the caffeine-laden beverages are harmful to young people.

Legislation passed Tuesday in Suffolk County located in the southeastern tip of New York on the eastern portion of Long Island bans the marketing of energy drinks to minors and prohibits the sale of the beverages in county parks, NBC New York reported.

In a letter addressed last month to the media, the bill's sponsor William Spencer said energy drinks consumed by kids may contain up to 800 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to drinking eight cups of coffee.

"Our children are at risk and emergency room visits by people presenting with caffeine toxicity have increased," the legislator wrote.

It's no surprise that energy drink companies feel the ban is unnecessary.

"Cotton candy which is pure sugar, or white death; hot dogs, with all of the nitrates, sodium and fat, are more detrimental to the consumer than energy drinks," Matthew Vishnick, a lobbyist for the energy-drink industry, was quoted as stating in a CBS New York report.

Energy-drink companies have faced increasing scrutiny following reports that potentially link their products to fatalities and grave injuries including heart attacks. In Chicago, a vote on a proposal to ban energy drinks was recently postponed.