Energy drinks under scrutiny as a pub ban is considered

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDOct 24 2010

Energy drinks might finally be facing a ban what with both the Australian Government and Opposition committing to handling the issue. The highly-caffeinated drink Mother is sold at 95 pubs and clubs across the state. This is despite NSW Health officials warning that energy drinks mixed with alcohol can provoke sexual assaults and an increased rate of violence.

Health minister Carmel Tebbutt assured of a ban and would put the issue on the agenda at a cabinet committee. She said, “I will refer this matter to the NSW Cabinet's Standing Committee on Alcohol and we will also work with the Federal Government to explore what other action can be taken to regulate the sale of unlabelled energy drinks in hotels across Australia

I am very concerned about the reported health impacts of mixing high energy drinks with alcohol and the impact this has on people's ability to function and the risk of alcohol related harm.”

The reports came forth from a new study published by the University of Florida in the medical journal Addictive Behaviors. It found that young people who drink alcohol mixed with energy drinks are three times more likely to become highly drunk and four times more likely to drink-drive than those who only drink alcohol.

According an NSW Health spokesman Jason Donohoe, selling this drink is irresponsible. He said, “Studies on the effects of consumption of energy drinks in combination with alcohol find that users may experience reduced perceptions of alcohol impairment.” The Australian Medical Association federal vice-president, Dr Steve Hambleton added, “This is horrifying. In Canada, the health warnings on energy drinks say max one drink per day.” Australian Drug Foundation national policy manager, Geoff Munro also said selling Mother on tap at pubs bypasses the health warning that is found on cans.

The drink is manufactured by Coca-Cola Amatil. A company spokeswoman did not elaborate on the commercial arrangement their company has with pubs. The Australian Hotels Association says it would support the move. The association's Sally Fielke said, “As long as Government is making evidence-based decisions, the industry will abide by this.”