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11-07-2010, 09:23 AM
Michigan Liquor Control Commission bans sale of alcohol energy drinks
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission Thursday banned the sale of energy drinks containing alcohol citing safety, and health risks, reported myFoxdetroit.com 11-5-2010.
Manufacturers have 30 days to clear store shelves of their beverages.
Makers of the drink have the option of changing it as well. The MLCC put manufacturers of beverages like Four Lokos, and Joose on notice in September of this year about changing the contents, or face being unable to sell it in the state.
The drinks will not be allowed back in Michigan until the Food and Drug Administration can determine the safety of the product.
The commission cited 9 Central Washington University college students who were hospitalized in the state of Washington after consuming malt liquor loaded with caffeine.
Recently, Four Lokos was implicated in the rape of a 14 year old Melvindale High School girl by a 17, and two 16 year old males. The alleged rape occurred at a motel rented by parents for a party that was attended by about 15 students. At least one of the parents of a student furnished alcohol to the minors as well, and has since turned herself in to police. The girls claims to have consumed one of the energy drinks spiked with rum, and became polluted, or otherwise out of it.
"With all the things that are happening, it's very alarming. We thought, 'I don't know if labeling is going to solve the problem at this point. ... It's more serious than any of us ever imagined," reported myFoxdetroit.com (http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/alcohol-energy-drinks-to-be-banned-in-michigan-20101104-mr) quoting commission chairwoman Nida Samona.
Michigan is not the only state to put the brakes on the beverage, or throw up red-flags. Montana, Utah, and California have also created rules, and/or pared down access.
The contention is that the beverages are aimed at minors because of the colorful markings, and appeal they have to younger kids.
Makers of Four Lokos, claim otherwise, and indicate their strategy is not aimed at this market, but those of legal drinking age.
Remember, however, that Michigan has a new law that went into effect October 31st, 2010 involving drunk driving. Sometimes called the "Super Drunk" law, anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol content, BAC, of .17 or higher will suffer greater consequences.
Whatever your thoughts about this beverage are, one thing is for certain, it is starting to cause problems. The fact you are drinking an alcoholic beverage that alters your reality, reaction times, and judgment may be bad enough in many cases. Sprinkle a few manufacturer's dashes of caffeine in, and all of a sudden you're not only polluted, but buzzing around like a hummingbird smashing into everything your trying to hover over, and wanting more.
However, will this action by the MLCC, and investigation by the FDA really stop those who want the extra kick in the butt? Probably not. Mix in a couple of caffeine pills, stir gently, and start speed-loading.
It's your life, but don't recommend minors using this stuff, or quite a few adults for that matter, especially those already weaving on the roads of Michigan.
http://www.examiner.com/substance-abuse-in-detroit/michigan-liquor-control-commission-bans-sale-of-alcohol-energy-drinks
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission Thursday banned the sale of energy drinks containing alcohol citing safety, and health risks, reported myFoxdetroit.com 11-5-2010.
Manufacturers have 30 days to clear store shelves of their beverages.
Makers of the drink have the option of changing it as well. The MLCC put manufacturers of beverages like Four Lokos, and Joose on notice in September of this year about changing the contents, or face being unable to sell it in the state.
The drinks will not be allowed back in Michigan until the Food and Drug Administration can determine the safety of the product.
The commission cited 9 Central Washington University college students who were hospitalized in the state of Washington after consuming malt liquor loaded with caffeine.
Recently, Four Lokos was implicated in the rape of a 14 year old Melvindale High School girl by a 17, and two 16 year old males. The alleged rape occurred at a motel rented by parents for a party that was attended by about 15 students. At least one of the parents of a student furnished alcohol to the minors as well, and has since turned herself in to police. The girls claims to have consumed one of the energy drinks spiked with rum, and became polluted, or otherwise out of it.
"With all the things that are happening, it's very alarming. We thought, 'I don't know if labeling is going to solve the problem at this point. ... It's more serious than any of us ever imagined," reported myFoxdetroit.com (http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/alcohol-energy-drinks-to-be-banned-in-michigan-20101104-mr) quoting commission chairwoman Nida Samona.
Michigan is not the only state to put the brakes on the beverage, or throw up red-flags. Montana, Utah, and California have also created rules, and/or pared down access.
The contention is that the beverages are aimed at minors because of the colorful markings, and appeal they have to younger kids.
Makers of Four Lokos, claim otherwise, and indicate their strategy is not aimed at this market, but those of legal drinking age.
Remember, however, that Michigan has a new law that went into effect October 31st, 2010 involving drunk driving. Sometimes called the "Super Drunk" law, anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol content, BAC, of .17 or higher will suffer greater consequences.
Whatever your thoughts about this beverage are, one thing is for certain, it is starting to cause problems. The fact you are drinking an alcoholic beverage that alters your reality, reaction times, and judgment may be bad enough in many cases. Sprinkle a few manufacturer's dashes of caffeine in, and all of a sudden you're not only polluted, but buzzing around like a hummingbird smashing into everything your trying to hover over, and wanting more.
However, will this action by the MLCC, and investigation by the FDA really stop those who want the extra kick in the butt? Probably not. Mix in a couple of caffeine pills, stir gently, and start speed-loading.
It's your life, but don't recommend minors using this stuff, or quite a few adults for that matter, especially those already weaving on the roads of Michigan.
http://www.examiner.com/substance-abuse-in-detroit/michigan-liquor-control-commission-bans-sale-of-alcohol-energy-drinks