Quebec introduces bill to ban energy drinks for those under 16

A pharmacy employee pulls out all the energy drinks from the refrigerator after receiving a suggestion from the Order of Quebec Pharmacists to stop selling them. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot)

Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger introduced a bill on Friday to ban energy drinks for those under the age of 16.

All parties in the National Assembly support the initiative, with the exception of independent MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina, who has been affiliated with the Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ) since March.

• READ MORE: Quebec health minister to table bill to protect teens from energy drinks

The support of all parliamentarians was necessary to fast-track the legislation before the end of the session, scheduled for June 12.

Bill 9 is a response to the heartfelt plea of Zachary Miron’s parents, a young man who died in 2024 at the age of 15 after the Red Bull he consumed interacted with his ADHD medication.

In recent months, numerous stakeholders across the education, sports and health care sectors have rallied to support the Zachary Miron Movement.

A citizen petition signed by more than 35,000 people was submitted to the National Assembly last month.

• READ MORE: Conservatives called ‘heartless’ for pledging to block bill banning energy drinks for minors

The bill introduced on Friday aims to “prevent the harmful effects of energy drinks on the health of young people.”

It prohibits anyone from selling energy drinks to a person under the age of 16.

It also prohibits a young person under the age of 16 from purchasing these types of drinks for themselves or others.

The bill defines an energy drink as a beverage with a caffeine concentration of at least 150 mg/L and other ingredients like taurine, vitamins or minerals.

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After tabling the bill in the House, an emotional Bélanger acknowledged Zachary’s parents, David Biron and Veronica Martinez, who were present in the gallery.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 5, 2026.