The Four Loko Phenomenon

With news story after news story in recent weeks, it’s pretty likely that most everyone knows about the alcohol-meets-caffeine drink Four Loko.

The beverage is a syrupy malt mixture that is comparable to consuming “three beers, a can of Red Bull and a shot of espresso.” While this hasn’t stopped people from drinking it, it’s been reported that Four Loko tastes like cough syrup. It’s also been referred to as “liquid cocaine” and a “blackout in a can,” packing a very potent 12 percent alcohol by volume punch. Both sales and concerns have sky-rocketed for Four Loko, negative press and all. 

The Food and Drug Administration reportedly has plans to place a ban on drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine, with concerns stemming from what Four Loko actually can do to you once you consume it. Over 20 college students nationwide have been hospitalized as a result of drinking the beverage, which has led to some states already placing a ban on the product. Other states are still mulling the possibility of severely regulating or taking Four Loko off the shelves entirely. 

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of Massachusetts will file an emergency ban next Monday as it seeks to completely restrict the sale of Four Loko and similar drinks. The new rule would prohibit the sale of any malt beverage that has alcohol, caffeine, herbal or chemical stimulants as additional ingredients. The makers of Four Loko, Phusion Projects, state on their website that they “take seriously our obligation to market our products only to adults 21 and over.” 
                   

Some stores on the North Shore in Massachusetts have already stopped selling Four Loko, due to the potential for underage drinking and driving. The concerns cited the most have been that Four Loko is essentially a very fast and cheap way (around $3 a can) to get drunk, which is music to the ears of an average teenager. 

Washington is one of the states that has approved of a 120-day emergency ban on the caffeinated cocktail, with a potential permanent ban following. The state decided to take Four Loko off of store shelves after nine freshmen college students became “dangerously drunk,” with alcohol levels reaching up to a staggering 0.35 percent. Emergency personnel who responded to that scene reported it as “chaotic” and initially suspected drug overdoses. 

Michigan is another state that has completely banned the sale of Four Loko, while colleges and universities across the U.S. are warning students on the dangers of drinking it. The city of Somerville in Massachusetts wants to follow in Michigan’s steps by just saying no to Four Loko and calling upon local vendors to stop selling the product.

We’ll find out next week how the Commonwealth’s attempt at the ban will go and until then, drink safely.

When should you contact a Massachusetts car accident attorney?
Has your teenager been seriously injured in a car accident due to drunk driving in Massachusetts? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want justice? Call the Massachusetts car accident lawyers at Kiley Law Group for a free and professional evaluation of your case at 1-800-410-2769.

And while the call is free, the advice may be priceless.