Download MI Distributors, Grocers, Party Stores Move to Pull Four Loko, Other

For immediate release: Monday, Nov. 22, 2010
Contact: Mike Lashbrook, Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, (517) 482-5555
Auday Arabo, Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers, (800) 666-6233
MI Distributors, Grocers, Party Stores
Move to Pull Four Loko, Other
Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Off Shelves
LANSING – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association and the Associated
Food and Petroleum Dealers, Inc., today announced that their organizations are urging their
members to expeditiously remove caffeinated alcohol beverages (CABs), such as Four Loko
and Joose, from retailers’ shelves.
Federal and state agencies have taken tough steps to remove the beverages. The Michigan
Liquor Control Commission was one of the first states to take action when it banned 55
specific brands of CABs on Nov. 4. Last week, the federal Food and Drug Administration
called the beverages unsafe and gave the drinks’ makers 15 days to change their recipes or
face a ban. Shortly after the FDA action, the Department of Treasury’s Alcohol & Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau said shipments of the CABs are illegal. And the Federal Trade
Commission warned CAB makers that they may be violating federal law.
“In light of the state and federal decisions, Michigan’s family owned beer and wine
distributors have started removing caffeinated alcohol beverages and will speed up the
process in coming days,” MBWWA President Mike Lashbrook said. “Michigan distributors
applaud the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for its leadership on this issue and we want
to do our part to make sure we act without delay. With Michigan’s effective system of alcohol
regulations and territorial integrity, distributors can quickly identify all products within their
areas of distribution and get them out of the marketplace quickly and efficiently.”
“Food stores and retailers have deep roots in our neighborhoods and we want to do our part to
support the communities we serve,” AFPD President Auday Arabo said. “Our member stores
are ready to cooperate with Michigan distributors to identify the affected products and get
them off the shelves. We join Michigan distributors in urging all local businesses where these
products are sold to join us in this important effort.”
The boards of the MBWWA and the AFPD officially adopted resolutions on Friday urging
their members to remove caffeinated alcohol beverages from the market. MBWWA
represents around 65 family owned beer and wine distributors across the state. The AFPD
represents nearly 4,000 retailers in Michigan and Ohio, including independent supermarkets,
grocery stores and service stations.
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