Ex-Child Rights Chief Writes To DK Shivakumar Seeking Ban On Sting Energy Drinks Near Schools
Call grows to ban Sting energy drinks near schools over health concerns.
Former Chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Shashidhar Kosambe, has urged the state government to impose stricter restrictions on the sale of Sting energy drinks and similar beverages near educational institutions, citing concerns over student health and safety.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Kosambe called for a ban on the sale of Sting energy drinks and other potentially harmful or “intoxicating” products within a 500-metre radius of schools and colleges across Karnataka. He highlighted growing concerns over the easy availability of such beverages in and around school zones and warned that they could have adverse effects on children’s physical well-being.
Kosambe also referenced Maharashtra’s recent decision announced on July 3, where the state government moved to prohibit the sale of Sting energy drinks and similar products within 500 metres of educational institutions. He urged Karnataka to adopt a comparable policy framework to strengthen child protection measures and align with emerging state-level regulatory practices.
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The former child rights official pointed out that many energy drinks contain artificial colours, high caffeine levels, and chemical additives that may pose health risks if consumed regularly by students. He stressed that the increasing popularity of such products among minors warrants stricter oversight, especially in areas surrounding schools and colleges.
Kosambe further noted that Karnataka already enforces a 100-metre ban on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions under existing regulations. He recommended extending this buffer zone to 500 metres and expanding the list of prohibited items to include energy drinks like Sting and other similar stimulants, to create a safer environment for students.
He has also urged the government to ensure stricter implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, calling for clearer directives to enforcement agencies. Kosambe appealed for immediate action from the state leadership, emphasizing that stronger preventive measures are necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of school and college students across Karnataka.
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