Lawmaker wants to ban energy drinks

• Tweet

CHICAGO, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A Chicago lawmaker has proposed banning energy drinks for all consumers, not just minors, throughout the city.

Alderman Edward M. Burke proposed the blanket ban Thursday, citing the health risks energy drinks pose for teenagers and young adults, the main consumers of the high-caffeine beverages, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The ordinance states: "No person shall sell, give away, barter, exchange or otherwise furnish any energy drink." Violators would face fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Burke's proposal came after Health Committee Chairman George Cardenas last month proposed that minors be prohibited from purchasing energy drinks in Chicago.

"You start with that premise because it brings more attention to the problem. It's a more serious conversation. If we just hold hearings, people won't take it seriously," Cardenas told the Sun-Times on the day he introduced the ordinance.

Cardenas Thursday said he no longer believed in banning energy drinks.

"I'm not for banning anything. We need to educate the public and educate parents more than anything and work with the industry for better warnings and labeling on these products. We're gonna modify it. We're not gonna push a ban," Cardenas said.

Burke was not available for comment.