Lawmakers Mull Banning Energy Drink Sales to Kids

Some teens say they use caffeine-laden energy drinks to rev up for sports or study sessions.

But, products like Red Bull and Rock Star would not be sold to children under legislation under consideration in Maryland, reports Your4State.com.

The bill was prompted in part by the 2011 death of a 14-year-old Hagerstown girl who had consumed 48 ounces of Monster in one day.

The bill defines an energy drink as any beverage containing more than 71 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-oz. container.

Penalties for selling the high-octane drinks to youths would range from a $500 fine for a first offense to $2,000 for subsequent infractions, the website says. Minors convicted of possessing an energy drink may be fined $50 for the first offense and $100 after that.

The next hearing on the bill is March 7 in Annapolis.