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Salt Lake School District officials are concerned that energy drink companies are distributing the beverages to students. Red Bull has said it's against its policy to distribute its energy drinks on high school campuses. But several Utah school administrators say it's still happening.
Highland and East high school officials say Red Bull distributors have come to the campuses at the end of the school day or during football games to hand out the drinks.
A student at Highland said, "I went to an away game and got like 12 Red Bulls. I went to Olympus, and they were handing out hundreds."
Highland High School Assistant Principal Chris Jenson says Red Bull has twice been asked to leave. He is tired of Red Bull coming by. "It's a little Red Bull car. It has a big Red Bull can on the back of it," he said. "It creates a lot of commotion. Obviously kids are going to want to partake," he said.
East High School administrators say Red Bull keeps coming back despite being kicked off campus. At Olympus High, officials have heard of the free giveaways happening but haven't caught Red Bull in the act.
Salt Lake District Superintendent McKell Withers says energy drink distribution at schools breaks three district rules: advertising on campus, trespassing and the wellness policy that promotes healthy food choices.
School administrators say they are trying to promote healthy schools by getting rid of sugary sodas in their vending machines. Red Bull has three times the amount of caffeine per serving as a regular soda.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
