– I think that those who wont an energy drink will get it.

That’s what 15-year-old Pernille Hakkim Bertheussen from Bodø says.

When the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve, she or other 15-year-olds cannot buy energy drink legally longer.

Then a 16-year age limit will be introduced for the invigorating drink. Youth and young adults must then bring identification to buy energy drinks.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health has mapped that the sale of energy drinks has increased sharply in the last decade.In 2014, the average Norwegian drank 3.4 liters of energy drink during the year, last year consumption was close to 14 litres.

Figures from FHI from 2023 shows that energy drinks have become common from the age of 13. As many as 58 per cent at secondary school and 72 per cent at upper secondary school drink energy drinks.

• We certainly know that excessive consumption of energy drinks leads to restlessness, sleep problems and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to damage to the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system, Health Minister Jan Christian vestre has previously said.

But the young people do not beleive that sales will decrease because of the age limit.

New Rules for Energy Drinks Spark ID Debate Among teens

Norway is implementing new rules requiring identification for energy drink purchases, leaving some teenagers questioning the practicality of the law.

As of January 1st, 2024, retailers in Norway are required to check the age of customers buying energy drinks, ensuring they are 18 or older. The aim is to reduce the consumption of these beverages among young people due to health concerns. However, the practicalities of the new rule are already being debated, especially regarding acceptable forms of identification.

Currently, a passport or National ID card are the primary options for proving age.This poses a challenge for many teenagers who don’t routinely carry these documents.

“If you’re old enough, you must show identification when you buy an energy drink,” explains one young woman. “I turn 16 in September and can actually buy energy drinks then. But I probably won’t be walking around with my passport in my pocket, so it might be difficult.”

As of now, the passport is the only identification the two girls NRK has spoken to have. Another option is to get a National ID card.

“We have always heard from home that we should not carry our passports everywhere,” says Hakkim Bertheussen.

Thomas Johansen Edvardsen, owner and operator of Bunnpris at Grønnåsen in Bodø, is preparing for the changes by organizing a dedicated energy drink fridge in his store. He acknowledges the potential difficulties for both customers and retailers in implementing the new rules.

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Norway Sets Minimum Age of 18 for Energy drink Purchases

As of January 1, 2024, Norway has implemented a new law restricting the sale of energy drinks to individuals aged 18 and over. This regulation aims to protect young people from the potential health risks associated with high caffeine consumption. The law applies to all retail locations selling energy drinks, including grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.