Kuwait Bans Sales of Energy Drinks in Cafes, Stores, and Restaurants

Kuwait has introduced sweeping new regulations on the sale and promotion of energy drinks, with Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi issuing a decision to ban their sale across a wide range of public venues.

Under the new ruling, energy drinks are no longer permitted to be sold in restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, or food trucks. The ban also extends to educational institutions and government agencies, as well as sales through self-service vending machines and delivery platforms.

According to the decision, energy drinks may now only be sold through co-ops, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, significantly limiting their availability to the public. In addition, an age restriction has been imposed, allowing purchases only to individuals aged 18 and above.

The ministerial directive also places responsibility on producers and distributors, requiring them to display clear health warnings on energy drink cans to inform consumers of potential risks associated with consumption.

In a further move to curb consumption, the law bans all forms of advertising and sponsorships linked to energy drinks, reinforcing Kuwait’s efforts to promote public health and regulate products deemed harmful when misused.

The decision reflects growing regional and global concerns over the health effects of energy drinks, particularly among young people, and marks one of the strictest regulatory approaches to energy drink sales in the Gulf.