Statement by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), Chairman of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, on the Four Loko-related death of a 13-year-old Maryland teen:
“This tragic death, which media reports state came after the teen consumed Four Loko, is a reminder of how dangerous this product is – especially in its original, caffeinated form.
“While its makers said they would not sell Four Loko’s original formula in New York State, I remain concerned by reports that some stores have apparently ignored what is essentially a gentlemen’s agreement.
“My legislation (S3889A) to outright ban these types of high alcohol, highly caffeinated ‘alco-pops’ has already passed out of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, which I chair, and is ready for a vote by the full Senate body.
“It is my hope that this legislation becomes law and that similar tragedies can be avoided in New York once and for all.”
