Sharjah ban on energy drinks’ sale commendable

The Sharjah Municipality’s decision to ban the sale and mixing of energy drinks with other beverages at restaurants and cafeterias needs to be commended, as it works entirely in favour of consumer health. Numerous studies over the years have established beyond doubt the harmful nature of these drinks, which are categorised under stimulants and contain high levels of sugar, caffeine and taurine, an amino acid. Energy drinks are also packed with empty calories.

Over the last two decades, energy drinks have come to attract a huge following among people, young and old, looking for instant enhanced energy. But this pursuit, as with all pursuits that seek instant gratification, comes at a high price as a multitude of health problems are attributed to these beverages. Obesity, high blood pressure, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, diabetes, insomnia, heart flutters — energy drinks can cause all these and more. The World Health Organisation has long considered energy drinks to be a danger to public health. Sharjah Municipality’s regulation ensures that commercial food establishments and eateries are not participatory entities in the consumers’ choice to put themselves in harm’s way.