Chicago Alderman Proposes Ban on Large Energy Drinks

Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, is proposing banning large containers of “highly caffeinated” energy drinks like Red Bull in Chicago.

Burke, chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee, is known for floating proposals to ban everything from plastic bags in grocery stores to trans fats in restaurant fryers. He also pushed a plan to ban the sale of cigarettes except those that extinguish themselves when left unattended.

Burke’s latest attempt to address the health of Chicagoans comes because researchers have “found that these energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and warned of dangerous, even life-threatening, effects on blood pressure, heart rate and brain function,” according to an ordinance he introduced Thursday to the City Council.

The drinks are particularly dangerous to young adults, who “are consuming energy beverages at an alarming rate,” leading to health problems and in rare cases death, Burke’s proposal reads.

The alderman’s plan defines an energy drink as a canned or bottled beverage containing at least 180 milligrams of caffeine, plus either taurine or guarana. People found selling large cans of Red Bull or other energy drinks would face fines of $100 to $500 and revocation of their business licenses under the ordinance.

Smaller cans with less caffeine would be allowed under the proposal, which goes to the City Council Health Committee.

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