Quebec’s energy drink ban for under-16-year-olds could become law this week

The Quebec government's proposed ban on energy drinks for those under 16 appears to soon become law after a lone voice initially opposed.

After a lone elected member of Quebec’s parliament voiced opposition, the government’s plan to ban energy drinks for those under 16 years old could go ahead in the end.

The Quebec Conservative Party’s only MNA, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, could have blocked the legislation’s fast tracking through the National Assembly, but her party appears to have struck a deal with the governing CAQ.

The Conservatives want hearings into the ban, and, in return, indicated the party will allow it to go through.

Conservative party leader Eric Duhaime said on social media on Friday that he and Vézina met with the parents of Zachary Miron, who died after drinking a Red Bull while on ADHD medication.

• READ MORE: Teen died after drinking a can of Red Bull, parents meet with Quebec health minister

“We all want to protect children,” said Duhaime on X. “We must therefore adopt a law seriously, not hastily, without debate or consultation.”

Duhaime said that the party wants to hear from experts, and that Vezina’s lone voice against the vill should be applauded.

“We should hear from experts, doctors, pharmacists, people from the industry, and even convenience store owners who will have to enforce this ban before adopting the bill,” he said. “This issue is not easy. It is very emotional. The ban, without asking how to better inform people, is the easy reflex, but not always the right one.”

The bill would need unanimous consent to be passed into law before the end of the session on June 12.