(Springfield, IL) — February 10, 2011. An Illinois state senate panel yesterday approved a measure that would ban the manufacture and sale of alcohol energy drinks in Illinois.
The Senate Executive Committee approved the legislation, sponsored by State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 50, 11-0.
Illinois is the latest state to propose a ban on the drinks, such as the infamous Four Loko. The drink is described as having the caffeine punch of an energy drink and the alcohol impact of a bottle of malt liquor. The drink is being blamed by some parents and schools for a number of young people needing medical care and a handful of deaths.
Four Loko is an Illinois-based company. The FDA is investigating the drinks and the state of Washington has already banned it. The company itself has voluntarily removed caffeine from the drink.
The move though only covers the manufactured drinks which are often sold in single serve cans. Silverstein notes that there are still going to be plenty of people mixing alcohol and caffeine, acknowledging that popular cocktails like a vodka and energy drink are served in bars across the state.
Gov. Pat Quinn
I think it should be required drinking for all the legislators, maybe something would get done. Gov. Quinn on speed, a sight to be hold. You could sell tickets to see that, or maybe state bonds
Posted by Jim Sather | February 14, 2011, 3:02 PM