Quebec has become the first jurisdiction in North America to restrict the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to individuals under 16 years old. The National Assembly adopted Bill 9 on Thursday, establishing a legal framework that prohibits the sale or supply of these beverages to minors, requires proof of age for purchase, and bans both online and vending machine sales. The legislation, which comes into effect in six months, follows the 2024 death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who had consumed an energy drink alongside ADHD medication.
Did You Know? The legislation is officially known as the “Zachary Miron Act,” named in memory of the 15-year-old whose death served as a catalyst for the provincial government’s decision to intervene in the market for high-caffeine beverages.
How the legislation functions
Under the new law, energy drinks are defined as beverages containing at least 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre, supplemented by additives such as taurine, vitamins, or minerals. Retailers are now required to request government-issued photo identification from customers to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement of 16. The bill also makes it illegal for adults to purchase these drinks on behalf of someone under the age of 16.
Enforcement measures include authorization for inspectors to perform compliance checks at retail locations. Penalties for violating the law are significant: minors caught purchasing or possessing the drinks could face a $100 fine, while adults who purchase them for minors face fines between $500 and $1,500. Businesses found in violation of the rules may face fines reaching $62,500, with all penalties subject to doubling for repeat offences.
Legislative support and opposition
The bill passed with the support of 103 members of the National Assembly. While the measure gained broad backing, the process saw some hesitation from individual members. Independent MNA for Saint-Jérôme, Youri Chassin, cast the sole vote against the bill, having previously argued that the legislation was “coercive” and represented an inappropriate approach to the issue. Two other members, Conservative Maïté Blanchette Vézina and Independent Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, abstained from the vote.
Expert Insight: The passage of this bill signals a shift in how provincial health policy addresses youth consumption of stimulants. By moving from general health warnings to strict age-gated retail regulation, Quebec is setting a precedent that prioritizes immediate harm reduction over voluntary industry guidelines. This transition reflects the growing pressure on legislators to bridge the gap between medical concerns regarding caffeine-medication interactions and consumer access.
What happens next
With the bill now adopted, retailers have a six-month window to adjust their operations before the law becomes enforceable. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger described the legislation as a “good start” that has effectively initiated a broader public discussion regarding the consumption of sugary and caffeinated drinks by teenagers. As the province approaches its October election, further legislative efforts may focus on complementary prevention campaigns, an approach championed by MNA Pierre Dufour, who initially sought a lower age threshold but ultimately supported the bill after consulting with medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal definition of an energy drink under this law?
The bill defines energy drinks as beverages containing 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre or more, along with additives like taurine, vitamins, or minerals.
Who is prohibited from purchasing these drinks?
The law prohibits the sale or giving of these drinks to anyone under 16. It also makes it illegal for an adult to purchase these products on behalf of a minor.
What are the potential penalties for businesses?
Businesses found in violation of the regulations face fines of up to $62,500, with the possibility of doubled penalties for repeat offences.
How do you think these new restrictions will influence the shopping habits of teenagers in your community?
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