CA Senate Votes to Make Four Loko No-No, Ban Goes to Brown for OK

Stock up now, party people, before it's too late: In a move aimed at protecting the youth of our state could find caffeinated beer beverages, such as Four Loko, banned in California. All that the ban needs to go through is Governor Jerry Brown's signature, after the State Senate gave the bill, SB 39, legislative approval.

Authored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) SB 39 would "restrict the import, production, and sale of caffeinated beer beverages at retail locations throughout the state."

Says Padilla of the bill, and his wish for Brown to seal the deal: "Caffeinated beer beverages are marketed to youth and are a threat to public health. The added caffeine masks the effects of the high alcohol content, which can lead to binge drinking and dangerous behavior."

The combo of booze and added stimulants, like taurine and guarana, and caffeine (and, often a pinch of reckless consumption) makes the drinks comparable to "drinking five cans of beer and one cup of coffee" all in one tidy little container. Plus, with their jazzy fruity flavors and youth-targeted marketing, the beverages have had mass appeal to young people in the country.

Concerns about the beverages have arisen in numerous states after incidents involving illness, or even death, of minors, consuming the beverages. "We should act now to help prevent similar incidents from occurring here in California," said Senator Padilla.