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Ad ban on energy drinks takes effect [Saudi Gazette, The](Saudi Gazette, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Abdurahman Al-Misbahi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH - The government's decision to impose a ban on publishing advertisements or carrying out promotion campaign of any energy drinks through electronic and print media or any other means came into effect on Monday. From Tuesday, the authorities will start punitive measures against those who violate the regulations issued by the Council of Ministers. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued directives to the Council of Saudi Chambers in this regard. Accordingly, the council sent circulars to all chambers, urging to instruct traders in their jurisdiction to abide by the government regulations pertaining to energy drink restrictions or face penal action. The circular also contains format of the warning notice to be prepared and printed on the bottles and cans of the energy drinks in line with the Cabinet directive. The Cabinet directed that factory owners and importers of energy drinks will have to print a warning in Arabic and English about the harmful effects of energy drinks. Authorities will start penal action against violators of this regulation after two months. On March 3, the Cabinet approved a number of tough measures to restrict the sale, promotion and consumption of energy drinks. Energy drinks companies, their agents, distributors and marketing firms will also be prohibited from sponsoring any sports, social or cultural events or carrying out any activity leading to their promotion. The Cabinet also approved banning of free distribution of energy drinks to consumers belonging to all age groups. (c) 2014 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |