Market research
The chief legal officers from 29 US states have united to condemn alcoholic energy drinks.
In a letter released today (21 August), the attorneys asked the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to quash what it called misleading health statements being made about beverages, and to determine whether alcoholic energy drinks are classified as malt beverages.
The Attorneys General wrote: "We believe that alcoholic energy drinks constitute a serious health and safety risk for America's youth."
The products mentioned in the letter included Miller's Sparks and Sparks Plus, Anheuser-Busch's Bud Extra, and Charge Beverages' Liquid Charge and Liquid Core.
The news follows a recent Marin Institute report suggesting that the combination of stimulants and alcohol are a serious danger for young people due to ingredients such as caffeine masking the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
The report warned that the effects could lead to increased risk-taking as well as leading to higher rates of alcohol-related traffic accidents, violence, sexual assault, and suicide.
Marin Institute research and policy director and co-author of the report, Michele Simon said: "We commend the attorneys general for taking on the companies making energy drinks, as we believe they are irresponsibly marketing these drinks to youth. They boast that their products will enhance energy and alertness, but fail to warn users of the potential for misjudging one's level of intoxication."
Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks, Spirits, Water, Wine
