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House passes bill to restrict energy drink sales to minors, require warnings
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Summary
The House approved Proyecto de la Ce1mara 233 to restrict sale of energy drinks to minors (18 and under), add warnings and require sellers to display QR-linked consumer information; final vote 50-1.
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved Proyecto de la Ce1mara 233 on June 19, a bill that restricts the retail sale of energy drinks to people 18 or older and requires additional consumer warnings and point-of-sale information.
Author Representative Gabriel Rodredguez Aguilf3, the bills sponsor, said the measure aims to protect minors after testimony from health professionals and the Puerto Rico Cardiology Association linking inappropriate consumption to cardiac events and other health risks. Rodredguez Aguilf3 told the chamber that manufacturers and medical experts recommend limiting minors access to these high-caffeine products and that the bill was revised after consultation with health authorities.
Representatives who spoke in favor said the legislation is targeted and does not ban the product for adults. The bill as passed requires retailers to refuse sale to buyers under 18, requires warnings for pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, and asks stores to post a QR code linking to health information to avoid placing bulky new labels on packaging.
Several legislators described personal or constituent experiences of young athletes and students who became ill after consuming caffeinated beverages. Representative Odaly Gonze1lez Gonze1lez and Representative Yasira LeBrf3n cited classroom and parental testimony as part of the public record supporting the bill. Health professionals who testified in committee urged a minimum age of 18 for restricted sale; the bill reflects that recommendation.
The sponsor said the proposal does not aim to eliminate sales but to ensure parents and young people have clear information and to reduce acute harms among minors. Rodredguez Aguilf3 noted the bill provides exceptions for strictly regulated medical uses and maintains adult access.
Final passage came by a 50-1 recorded vote. The chamber noted one recorded abstention or minority opposition on related measures but not on this bill. The measure will proceed to any remaining legislative steps for enactment.
