Caffeinated alcoholic drinks like Four Loko banned in Washington
In New York, Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the State Liquor Authority on Wednesday to stop sales of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. Retailers have a week to clear millions of dollars worth of alcoholic energy drinks from their shelves. Michigan’s ban will eliminate the sale of 55 types of alcoholic energy drink, which is a staggering number.
Michigan’s liquor control commission banned the retail sale of all caffeinated alcoholic drinks statewide last week, including the popular drink, Four Loko, saying the drinks “present a threat to the public health and safety.” Washington’s ban will take effect Nov. 18.
Major brewers such as Anheuser-Busch stopped producing drinks mixing alcohol and caffeine after pressure from various states, but smaller companies have filled the gap in the market.
Health officials say one 23.5 ounce can of Four Loko is comparable to drinking 5 to 6 beers. These drinks are heavily marketed to youth with fruity flavors and large quantities of stimulants to mask the high levels of alcohol. Studies have shown that caffeinated alcoholic beverages raise unique and disturbing safety concerns, especially for younger drinkers. Recent incidents included alcohol poisoning, blackouts and a death. The FDA is also investigating its contents to determine exactly how harmful drinks like Four Loko really are.
Four Loko’s distributor, Phusion Projects, says on its website that Four Loko has “roughly the same alcohol content as wine and some craft beers” and “roughly the same amount of caffeine as a tall (small) Starbucks coffee.”
I dont see what everyone is talking about I downed 3 four loko last Friday and i didnt experience a energy boost, black outs or any of that…. but i did get a really big hangover and i never get hangovers on regular beer
Hey Mike.
I too am an alcoholic
I ‘ve had nights where I drink 3, no problem. But’ve also had nights where Four Loko has made black out after two. That stuff is unpredictable.
this is absurd! how ridiculous! preposterous!