Saudi Arabia bans adverts for energy drinks

Google – AFP, 4 March 2014

In a picture taken November 19, 2012, Saudi women walk past the Olaya

mall in Riyadh (AFP, Fayez Nureldine)

Riyadh — Saudi Arabia has imposed a total ban on advertisements for energy drinks and prohibited their sale in educational and sports facilities and government buildings due to health concerns, local press reported Tuesday.

The decision was taken following an interior ministry study of the "adverse effects of energy drinks," English-language daily Arab News said, without naming any of the brands affected.

The ban on advertisements and promotions includes all print, audio and visual media, Arab News said citing a government statement.

Energy drink companies will no longer be allowed to sponsor social, cultural and sporting events, and will have to put health warning labels on their products, it said.

The sale of the drinks will also be banned at public and private sports clubs in the Gulf kingdom.