Washington State Bans "Four Loko"
(Nov. 10) -- Next week, Washington state residents will no longer find "blackout in a can" beverage Four Loko on liquor store shelves.
The infamous party drink responsible for the hospitalization of nine Central Washington University students at an Oct. 8 house party is being placed under emergency ban by the state's Liquor Control Board, set to go into effect Nov. 17, according to The Seattle Times.
The temporary ban, which passed unanimously and includes all caffeinated alcohol drinks, will remain in place for 120 days as the board deliberates protocol for a permanent prohibition. The Liquor Control Board cited "public health and safety concerns" as the basis for its decision.
A lobbyist for Phusion Projects, maker of Four Loko, objected to the Liquor Control Board's ruling.
"No one is more upset than we are when our products are abused or consumed illegally by underage drinkers," said lobbyist Jim Halstrom. "But we also believe curbing alcohol abuse or underage drinking will not be accomplished by singling out a lone product or beverage category. We think the true answer lies with increased education and awareness by all and with respect for the law."
Several colleges including the University of Rhode Island and Ramapo College in New Jersey recently banned the caffeinated alcoholic concoction from their campuses. Michigan and Oklahoma are also prohibiting the sale of similar products.
Siz-ource.
I personally think these things are the epitome of nasty tasting, but I am seriously disapointed in Washington State on this one. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? And also, considering Washington isn't THAT far of a drive from Oregon, a bunch of college-aged entrepreneurs are about to make a bundle from markup.
The infamous party drink responsible for the hospitalization of nine Central Washington University students at an Oct. 8 house party is being placed under emergency ban by the state's Liquor Control Board, set to go into effect Nov. 17, according to The Seattle Times.
The temporary ban, which passed unanimously and includes all caffeinated alcohol drinks, will remain in place for 120 days as the board deliberates protocol for a permanent prohibition. The Liquor Control Board cited "public health and safety concerns" as the basis for its decision.
A lobbyist for Phusion Projects, maker of Four Loko, objected to the Liquor Control Board's ruling.
"No one is more upset than we are when our products are abused or consumed illegally by underage drinkers," said lobbyist Jim Halstrom. "But we also believe curbing alcohol abuse or underage drinking will not be accomplished by singling out a lone product or beverage category. We think the true answer lies with increased education and awareness by all and with respect for the law."
Several colleges including the University of Rhode Island and Ramapo College in New Jersey recently banned the caffeinated alcoholic concoction from their campuses. Michigan and Oklahoma are also prohibiting the sale of similar products.
Siz-ource.
I personally think these things are the epitome of nasty tasting, but I am seriously disapointed in Washington State on this one. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? And also, considering Washington isn't THAT far of a drive from Oregon, a bunch of college-aged entrepreneurs are about to make a bundle from markup.