Quebec becomes first province to ban the sale of energy drinks for children under 16

The Quebec government said the measure is aimed at reducing the health risks associated with energy drink consumption among young people. According to Quebec’s statistics institute, consumption among high school students nearly doubled between 2016 and 2023.

The Canadian Paediatric Society has said that children should avoid energy drinks, and in 2017 issued a policy statement saying, “Because of the dangers associated with caffeinated energy drinks, the (society) is also advocating for legislation to prevent their marketing to youth.”

Quebec’s legislation follows the death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron in 2024, who died when the energy drink he consumed interacted with his ADHD medication.

During debate on the bill this week, Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger thanked Zachary’s parents, David Miron and Veronica Martinez, saying they had helped raise awareness about the issue.

“We believe it is better to act preventively when the health of young people is at stake,” said Bélanger.

The Canadian Beverage Association said in a written statement that the bill was rushed through the legislature and is unlikely to deliver meaningful public health benefits “rather than merely shifting purchases of energy drinks to less regulated channels.”

The legislation also bans the sale of energy drinks online and through vending machines, except in cases that may later be authorized by government regulation. The law grants inspection and investigative powers to Santé Québec, the provincial agency responsible for overseeing the health-care system. Minors who violate the legislation can face fines of $100, while penalties for retailers can reach $62,500, which could double for repeat offences.

Retail groups, for their part, say they support the legislation but are seeking clarification on several aspects of how it will be applied.

“We want as few grey areas as possible,” said Samuel Bouchard Villeneuve, public affairs director for Quebec’s food retailers association.

One concern involves the types of ID that will be accepted to verify a customer’s age. The legislation requires photo ID issued by the government, one of its departments or a public body, and it must show the buyer’s name and date of birth.

Bouchard Villeneuve said it is unclear whether a high school ID card, for example, would meet the requirements.

However, he assured that stores would refuse sales whenever there is doubt about a customer’s age, drawing a comparison with existing practices for alcohol, tobacco and lottery products.

Retailers will also need to update self-checkout systems so that an alert appears when customers attempt to purchase an energy drink, similar to procedures already used for alcohol sales.

Michel Rochette, Quebec president of the Retail Council of Canada, said retailers are also concerned about the law’s ban on online purchases and deliveries.

“The way the government has framed it, it’s as if we’re unable to ask for proof of age at the time of delivery, so they’re simply banning all forms of delivery or online purchases,” said Rochette.

Both organizations welcomed the six-month implementation period, saying businesses will need time to update systems, train staff and determine which products fall under the legislation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2026.

— with files from Sébastien Auger in Montreal

Charlotte Glorieux, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Quebec becomes first province to ban the sale of energy drinks for children under 16

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