Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
SLA Moves To Ban Four Loko, AKA "Blackout In A Can"
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 6, 2010
Modified Nov 6, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 6, 2010
Modified Nov 6, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Due to its recent prominence in college student hospitalizations, gay beatings in the Bronx, and confusing the daylights out of Chuck Schumer, the State Liquor Authority is trying to change New York law to ban caffeinated alcoholic drinks like Four Loko and Joose. William Crowley, spokesman for the Liquor Authority, told the Daily News, "The problem is, as it's written, the statute doesn't give us the power to ban these products."
Though the FDA is currently reevaluating their approval of these beverages, New York law prevents the SLA from banning products has already have FDA approval. Michigan recently banned the drinks, and "medical experts" say the combined effects of alcohol and caffeine makes it hard for consumers to tell how intoxicated they are. According to their website, Four Maxed has 10% ABV, and Four Loko is 12% ABV and is sold in 23.5 oz. cans. They also say, "We’ve complied with the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration's] request and have submitted a GRAS study showing that combining caffeine and alcohol is safe - a practice that is by no means new or novel."
Tagged
alcoholic energy drinks
fda
four loko
joose
sla
state liquor authority
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .