Petition Request

To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

The petition of residents of Queensland draws to the attention of the House that high-caffeine energy drinks are readily available to children and teenagers throughout Queensland, despite growing concerns about their potential effects on young people's health

Energy drinks can contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that may contribute to sleep disruption, anxiety, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and reduced concentration in children and adolescents. Their widespread availability in supermarkets, convenience stores service stations, and vending machines makes them easy for young people to purchase, while prominent in-store displays and marketing may encourage their consumption.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to:

1. Introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18 years.

2. Require retailers to verify proof of age before selling these products

3. Restrict the placement of energy drinks so they  are not displayed at checkouts or other locations designed to encourage impulse purchases.

4. Strengthen regulations governing the advertising and promotion of energy drinks to children and young people.

"This petition is about protecting children-not preventing adults from purchasing energy drinks We support responsible adult choice while asking for sensible regulations to reduce children's access to products containing high levels of caffeine and other stimulants. "