The Agriculture Ministry regulation limiting the sale and consumption of beverages classified as energy drinks has come into effect after being published in the Official Gazette.

According to the new regulations, energy drinks will not be sold nor advertised at sports complexes, schools or hospitals and cannot be sold to those below the age of 18. There will also be a label on the bottles of the drink warning against its use with alcoholic beverages.

These new restrictions do not cover specialized sports drinks consumed by athletes. The caffeine content of energy drinks will not exceed 150 milligrams per liter. Ethyl alcohol cannot be added to energy drinks, but the ethyl alcohol produced during the production process will be allowed but can't be above 3 grams per liter.

The label on energy drinks will clearly outline the danger it poses to children, the elderly, diabetics, those with high blood pressure, pregnant women and those with kidney problems. It will also clearly say that energy drinks are not a sports aid and consumption before physical activity is not recommended.