Michigan bans alcohol energy drinks

The Marin Institute’s campaign has been given a major boost by the decision of the U.S. State of Michigan to ban alcohol energy drinks.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has issued an Administrative Order banning the drinks on the basis of ‘a reasonable belief that alcohol energy drinks present a threat to the public health and safety’.

The Order, dated November 2010, states additionally that twenty-nine Attorneys General from across the United States are also of the opinion that consumption of Alcohol Energy Drinks is increasing among college students and underage drinkers and the safety of ingesting a mixture of stimulants and alcohol has not been established.

The Order continues:

In the light of the several public hearings and studies regarding Alcohol Energy Drinks, the widespread community concerns aired by substance abuse prevention groups, parent groups and various members of the public, as well as the FDA’s decision to further investigate these products, the Commission believes the packaging is often misleading, and the products themselves can pose problems by directly appealing to a younger customer, encouraging excessive consumption, while mixing alcohol with various other chemical and herbal stimulants. The recent events regarding minors in Washington State and other concerns from emergency room doctors quoted throughout the country have promoted the Commission to take action.

THEREFORE, in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the State of Michigan, it is the Order of the Commission that all prior approvals and registrations for Alcohol Energy Drinks as listed on the Products with Stimulants listing attached as part of this order BE RESCINDED.

FURTHER, that effective 30 days from the date of this Order, Alcohol Energy Drinks shall not be sold or offered for sale in the State of Michigan and these products are banned from sale and distribution in this State unless otherwise approved through Order of the Commission.

FURTHER, all Manufacturers of Alcohol Energy Drinks have thirty (30) days from the date of this Order to remove the Alcohol Energy Drink products from all marketplaces in the State of Michigan in which they are sold.