NW groups rally to get 'Four Loko' drink banned

PORTLAND, Ore. – Some stores are pulling the alcohol-energy drink, Four Loko, after a college party ended with nine students in the hospital. Now northwest groups are rallying to get the government to ban the drinks that mix caffeine and alcohol.

All Oregon and Washington Haggen stores are pulling the drink and Oregon Partnership wants it banned. Central Washington University, where the party happened, is declaring the drink off limits on campus.

The company behind Four Loko put out a response, saying the events at the university were inexcusable but it says it goes to great lengths to ensure the product is not sold to underage consumers, and it is not abused.

People who have tried the drink say it can get a person drunk very quickly. They say it can trick some people into thinking they’re not as drunk as they really are because of the combination of an upper and a downer.

Sweet and fruity, Four Loko may look like the newest version of the energy drink Red Bull. But on the streets of Portland some call it liquid crack.

Drinkers say one can, with 12 percent alcohol, is like at least three beers. Plus, it has the kick of caffeine, producing a quick and powerful high.

“It’s worse than Colt Forty-Five, Old English - whatever kind of malt liquor you’re drinking – this is the worst stuff,” said one man who tried Four Loko and said he’ll never drink another one again. “It gets people acting crazy. They need to take it off the market.”

But it’s selling well at some Portland stores in flavors like watermelon, grape and fruit punch.

Some people think the flavors and colorful cans appeal to young people.

“Why are they marketing it this way? That’s a big question. They’re marketing it to kids and that’s wrong,” said Elisa Mohrmann, a parent.

The company behind Four Loko, Phusion Projects Inc., of Chicago, said it is not marketing to minors.
“Our products are no more appealing to underage drinkers than any other alcoholic beverage,” the company said.

It says it makes sure Four Loko is sold only in the alcohol section of stores and that clerks check ID.

Some say the cans could fool parents.

“It’s not what you would expect,” said Mohrmann. “Caffeine, lots. Sugar, lots. Not alcohol.”

The company behind Four Loko says caffeine and alcohol are safe together and have a study to prove it.

The Food and Drug Administration is looking into that but says it may take time to come to a conclusion.