Penza, 20 February 2015. PenzaNews. The so-called “energy drinks” were banned in the region during the 24th regular session of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region held on Friday, February 20.

© PenzaNewsBuy the photo

The author of the law draft was Andrei Burlakov, regional Minister of Agriculture.

“The law draft recommends introducing a full and complete ban on alcoholic tonic beverages in the Penza region. Such drinks are mostly consumed by the youth, their consumption levels are growing, and they are incredibly harmful to health, internal organs, and mental state […] Moreover, the law draft suggests restricting sales of alcohol-free tonic beverages by prohibiting selling them to minors, as well as in institutions related to children, education, healthcare and culture-related activities that involve the underage, along with cultural and sports institutions,” he explained.

According to Ivan Belozertsev, chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region, the law has been suggested several times by deputies, law enforcement officers, authorities, and public representatives.

“This is why our reaction was quick and decisive,” said the speaker.

The speed of reaction was also noted by Vladimir Edalov, member of the Federal Council of Russia from the executive authority branch of the Penza region, who also took part in the meeting.

“Indeed, it is a timely law. We have relevant recommendations, we have advice from [the chairman of the Federal Council of Russia] Valentina (Ivanovna) Matvienko to introduce the law on regional level. This was a good and timely step,” the senator stressed, adding that such laws are only being introduced in the regions.

The draft was approved unanimously.