Medical Report: Should sales of mocktails be restricted to 18 and older?

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sales of non-alcoholic drinks have skyrocketed by as much as 30% since the pandemic. Non-alcoholic beer and wine as well as mocktails can help people transition away from alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol they consume.

But a new report from Stanford University warns against the use of these drinks in children under 18. The authors warn that the use of these non-alcoholic drinks will socialize children to the taste of different alcoholic beverages and may encourage drinking behavior years down the road.

They recommend restricting sales to those under 18. Whether the stakes are restricted or not, the article brings up a potential concern that many parents may not have considered.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough .

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.