Chicago alderman wants to ban energy drinks
A Chicago alderman wants to ban the distribution and sale of energy drinks in the city.
Alderman Edward M. Burke cites the popularity of Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle and 5 Hour Energy among teenagers and young adults and the perceived dangers those drinks pose in his proposed ordinance.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported the proposed ordinance calls for a $100 to $500 fine for each offense.
Industry tracker Beverage Digest indicates energy drinks sales grew 17 percent in 2011, the latest year such statistics are available.
A federal survey, released this month, indicates that from 2007 to 2011 the number of emergency room visits involving energy drinks rose from about 10,000 to more than 20,000.
Beverage manufacturers say the statistics are misleading and taken out of context.