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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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State Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Washington State is banning alcoholic energy drinks after the state Liquor Control Board adopted a rule Wednesday morning that will take effect Nov. 18."The board is acting in the interest of public safety," Washington State Liquor Control Board Chair Sharon Foster said in a written statement released by Governor Gregoire's office. "Following the troubling incidents in Roslyn and in response to increasing reports of problems around the country, the board is acting now to ensure these products do not contribute to a tragedy before the Food and Drug Administration or Legislature can act."The ban comes after nine Central Washington University students were hospitalized after a party in Roslyn last month. Authorities say they drank the caffeinated malt liquor beverage Four Loko/KXLY. More here.

  • Cutline: Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire talks to reporters in Olympia, Wash., about the decision today by the state Liquor Control Board to ban alcoholic energy drinks, including "Four Loko" and "Joose," shown in the foreground. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Question: Do you agree with Washington's ban on alcoholic energy drinks?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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