Maharashtra bans sale of energy drinks within a 500-m radius of schools.

What the ban says

• 500-meter radius rule: The Maharashtra government announced that the sale of 'Sting' energy drink and other intoxicating substances will be prohibited within a 500-meter radius of schools • Why now: FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal said it’s due to concerns about ingredients in energy drinks that are “unsuitable for children,” plus high caffeine and sugar content • Who raised it: BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute flagged the issue in the legislative assembly, saying Sting is “more dangerous than alcohol” and shouldn’t be sold near schools • Enforcement: FDA has been directed to enforce the restriction immediately. If sales are found within 500m of a school, “immediate action will be taken” • Schools involved too: Schools have been asked to run awareness programs about health risks of energy drinks Bigger context

This isn’t the first time Maharashtra considered this. Back in July 2024, then-FDA Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram said they’d ban high-caffeine drinks within 500m of schools. The current push follows FSSAI notices to 6 brands — Sting, Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush, Campa Gold Boost, Hell, and Monster — for misbranding and claims like “vitalises body and mind”.  

How people are reacting

The announcement is blowing up on Instagram. News pages like RVCJ Media, TV9 Bharatvarsh, Aaj Tak, and ABP Majha posted graphics about it.  

Comments are mixed:

• Support: “Good move ?”, “Ye badiya kadam hai” • Skepticism: People asking why alcohol/tobacco shops near schools aren’t banned too — “sharab bech sakते है” • Practicality jokes: “500km pe hona chahiye tha”, “Let’s see who comes to measure 500mtrs ?” • Loophole concerns: Delivery apps like Swiggy Instamart don’t follow radius rules What counts as “energy drink”?

The law doesn’t define “energy drinks” specifically. They’re regulated as “Non-Alcoholic Caffeinated Beverages” under FSSAI rules, allowing 145-300mg caffeine per liter.  

The ban was announced July 3, 2026 in the Maharashtra assembly. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is leading broader crackdowns on gutkha and food safety too.