Chicago Alderman Proposes Ban On Energy Drinks
By: Robert Burke
Updated: January 18, 2013
CHICAGO -- Alderman Edward Burke is proposing a ban on large containers of drinks like Red Bull.
Burke who's the chairman of the City Council's Finance Committee is known for proposing bans. In the past, he's proposed bans on plastic bags in grocery stores and limiting cigarette sales to those that extinguish themselves when left unattended.
Researchers have found that these energy drinks can have dangerous effects on blood pressure, heart rate and brain function leading Burke to propose the ban.
Under his proposal, people found selling an energy drink - defined as a canned or bottled beverage with at least 180 milligrams of caffeine and either taurine or guarana - would face fines of $100 to $500 and revocation of their business licenses.
Smaller cans with less caffeine would be allowed under the proposal, which goes to the City Council Health Committee.
Source: Chicago Tribune
