Sunday, November 14, 2010

Washington State prohibits Four Loko in wake of anger

After a controversial event, the alcohol infused energy drink Four Loko has been banned in WA state. The drink had been at the center of an incident where some Central Washington University students were hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. The students had consumed Four Loko, among other things, at a party located in a small town from the college. The sale of the drink and outright bans of it and similar beverages are being mulled in other states.

No Washington market for Four Loko

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that a statewide ban of Four Loko and other drinks like it has taken affect after several Central Washington University students were hospitalized from the beverage. The ban starts on November 18. Put simply, Four Loko is an alcoholic beverage infused with caffeine. Typical alcohol energy combination drinks have an alcohol level (ABV) of 10% or more. By comparison, most beer in the United States has an ABV of 6 percent or lower. They alcohol content in wine tends to be anywhere from 10 to 15 percent.

What happens when people party?

A few weeks back numerous students at Central Washington University were at a party in a small town near Ellensburg. Rosalyn is best known as the filming location for TV show “Northern Exposure.” 9 of those in attendance wound up within the hospital with alcohol poisoning. One had a blood alcohol content of 0.35 percent, which can be fatal. After the event, Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna advocated the Liquor Control Board consider banning all malt liquor/energy drinks like Four Loko. Washington isn't the only state to take this measure. Michigan, like Washington, has outlawed all energy drinks containing alcohol, and Montana and Utah have passed laws limiting liquor sales to liquor stores only.

Upset by the outcome

Four Loko had been not the only high alcohol drink in the state, and that is what outrages its makers, Phusion Projects Inc. Alcohol is a depressant, and caffeine is a stimulant, and combining the two can be dangerous. However, over-consumption of any alcoholic beverage can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Information from

Seattle PI

seattlepi.com/local/429935_alcohol10.html



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