Lithuania is considering new restrictions aimed at reducing youth exposure to high-caffeine products and beverages that may normalize alcohol consumption. A draft amendment to Article 6¹ of the Law on Food (No. VIII-1608) has been submitted to the Lithuanian Seimas, proposing a prohibition on the sale, purchase, or transfer of certain beverages to individuals under 18 years of age. The draft legislation, submitted on behalf of the Parliamentary Committee on Health Affairs by Chairperson Lina Šukytė-Korsakė, would prohibit the sale, purchase, or other transfer to minors of: Energy drinks; and Non-alcoholic beverages whose names reference alcoholic beverage categories, including products marketed as “non-alcoholic beer,” “non-alcoholic wine,” or other beverages that incorporate the group, subgroup, or category name of an alcoholic drink as defined under Lithuanian or European Union legislation. The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to limit factors that may encourage alcohol consumption among young people and to reduce access to beverages with high caffeine content. Age Verification Requirements To support enforcement of the proposed restrictions, retailers would be required to verify the age of purchasers when there is uncertainty regarding their age. Under the draft provisions: Sellers may request a valid identity document from the purchaser. Where there is doubt about the buyer’s age, requesting proof of age would become mandatory. Retailers must refuse the sale if the purchaser cannot provide documentation demonstrating that they are at least 18 years old. Proposed Entry into Force
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