Quebec has announced a plan to ban high-alcohol, highly sweetened drinks from convenience and grocery stores.
Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux plans to introduce an amendment to Quebec’s alcohol and gaming legislation, which is expected to come into effect in June.
The measure follows a high-profile case earlier this month in which a 14-year-old girl died after drinking a highly sugared high alcohol beverage near her high school.
The ban would mandate that drinks with more than seven per cent alcohol can only be sold in Quebec liquor commission stores, and that the commission would have the final say on whether to stock the items.
The minister said Quebec will maintain pressure on Health Canada as it conducts a safety review of products with Quebec authorities and the Canada Food Inspection Agency.
Intoxication among young people was identified as a serious problem in a provincial report issued earlier this month.
Source: Canadian Press
