The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has written to the Drugs Control Department recently urging it to restrict the open sale of canned drinks that allegedly contains 15% alcohol and high sugar content, particularly near schools and colleges.

The commission raised the concern after reports surfaced on social media claiming that a particular brand of canned drink contains alcohol despite appearing similar to a regular juice beverage. In the letter, the SCPCR warned that easy availability of such products could expose children to alcohol without their knowledge.

According to the commission, children may unknowingly consume the drink believing it to be a fruit juice or soft drink. It cautioned that consumption of alcohol and high sugar drinks at a young age could have serious consequences on children’s physical and mental health and may affect their overall development in the long run.