Because of this concern, “Four Loko” has been taken off the shelves at many local liquor stores statewide because of potential health risks.
Jerry Corliss, owner of Chalet Party Shops in Elkhart, feels this drink is a disaster in a can. He’s not afraid he will lose business if he stops selling the drink.
“It takes away sales that, in my opinion, I don't want,” Corliss said.
Government officials in Michigan and Washington state have already banned the drinks.
Chalet Party Shops along with Belmont Beverage are just a few local chains that have taken the mixed drinks out of all their stores.
Phusion Projects based in Chicago makes the “Four Loko” drink and sent us this statement:
"We're disappointed by recent calls to ban our products. While we don't agree that caffeine and alcohol are unsafe, we do appreciate any state's concern for its citizens."
But health officials disagree, saying this drink is equivalent to more than a few mixed drinks.
“The appeal of these beverages is the fact that the combination of caffeine, alcohol and high amount of sugar in a relatively small quantity, goes down fairly easy,” DeCleene says.
College student Natalie Burkart tried the drink and said it’s quite popular with her peers.
"They like it because it does get them buzzed and drunk quicker," Burkhart said.
The same reason Burkhart’s friends like the drink is the same reason Corliss is pulling the plug on the drink in his liquor stores.
"Banning this was an easy decision,” Corliss said.
Although many people mix red bull and vodka, and rum and coke, experts tell us the problem is the alcohol and caffeine levels in a pre-mixed, portable drink.
Right now the Indiana Association Of Beverage Retailers has only recommended their stores to take the “Four Loko” off their shelves.
