Maharashtra announces a ban on the sale of Sting and other similar high-caffeine energy drinks within a 500-metre radius of schools, citing health concerns for children. The decision is announced by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal in the state legislature, and multiple reports say the restriction applies to school areas rather than to all sales across the state.
According to the accounts, the government also asks schools to run awareness programmes to educate students about the health risks associated with consuming energy drinks. The minister says instructions are issued to concerned authorities to prevent the sale of such beverages and other harmful products near educational institutions. He also indicates that strict action will be taken under existing laws against sellers found violating the rules.
Additional reporting says parents, teachers, headmasters and local bodies are urged to report violations to the FDA to enable prompt legal action. The restriction is presented as part of wider efforts to regulate high-caffeine products in the vicinity of schools.
