Maharashtra bans Sting sales within 500 metres of schools over child safety

Mumbai,UPDATED: Jul 3, 2026 15:44 IST

The Maharashtra government has announced that the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink and other intoxicating substances will be prohibited within a 500-metre radius of schools. The move comes after concerns were raised over certain ingredients in the beverage that are considered unsuitable for children.

Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute in the legislative assembly, Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal said the decision was taken amid concerns about the impact of energy drinks on schoolchildren. He said the Food and Drug Administration has been directed to enforce the restriction, and schools have been asked to hold awareness programmes on the health risks linked to energy drinks.

According to health experts, energy drinks are often high in caffeine and sugar. Zirwal said, “The concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink in and around school premises are valid to some extent. If the sale of such energy drinks or any other intoxicating substances is found within 500 metres of a school campus, immediate action will be taken against those responsible.”

Pachpute also asked whether the government would introduce a rule to prohibit the sale of the energy drink to children below 18 years of age. During the discussion, MLAs Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai urged the government to take stricter steps to prevent such beverages from being easily available to children.

Zirwal said the government would strengthen school-level awareness campaigns while ensuring effective implementation of the proposed restriction, as it moves to curb the sale of energy drinks and other intoxicating substances near schools.

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