Russian lawmakers propose energy drink ban

MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A group of Russian lawmakers have proposed banning energy drinks.

RIA Novosti reported Wednesday the LDPR party authored the bill, which they have tried unsuccessfully to get passed in previous sessions of the lower house of Parliament. The lawmakers cite potential averse health effects for the proposed ban.

"The excessive consumption of energy drinks may have a negative impact on a person's health. According to doctors, many consumers of energy drinks can, for example, become addicted to them, which, in turn, may exacerbate existing mental health problems," authors of the draft said in a summary of the bill.

Energy drinks are already banned in some regions, including the Republic of Chechnya, RIA Novosti said.