Balearic Islands energy drink and nitrous oxide bans

The Balearic Islands government has approved a decree-law prohibiting the sale and supply of energy drinks—defined as non-alcoholic refreshments containing 15 mg of caffeine or more per 100 ml—to individuals under 18. The regulation also restricts the sale, distribution, and advertising of nitrous oxide intended for recreational inhalation.

Health counsellor Manuela García stated the measures are “based on data and scientific evidence” to protect youth during critical developmental periods. The decision follows the 2023 ESTUDES survey, which found 47.7% of students aged 14 to 18 had consumed energy drinks in the previous month, with one in five mixing them with alcohol. Officials noted that high caffeine intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. The nitrous oxide ban addresses a “first-order public-health problem” involving a 1.7% chronic use rate among young people.

Violations in commercial establishments, including vending machines, may result in fines between €6,001 and €60,000. The Balearic Islands' move aligns it with Galicia, which implemented similar restrictions earlier this year.

In response to regional actions, the General Council of Nursing (CGE) has called for a nationwide ban on energy drink sales to minors in Spain. CGE President Florentino Pérez Raya supported restrictions for those under 16 but emphasized that prohibition requires accompanying awareness campaigns. Additionally, the Association of Nurses of Nutrition and Dietetics (AdENyD) suggested renaming these products from ‘soft drinks’ to ‘stimulant drinks’ to more accurately reflect their caffeine, sugar, and taurine content.