UNC wont ban Four Loko, officials say

The drink affectionately named “devil in a can” and “liquid cocaine” by its fans on Facebook soon could leave shelves in many areas around the country — but not at UNC.

Some lawmakers and universities are trying to ban Four Loko and other alcoholic energy drinks, claiming the potent mix of caffeine and alcohol is dangerous to consumers.

UNC and Duke University officials said they have not seen significant problems with the drinks.

But after several college students drinking Four Loko were hospitalized for alcohol-related reasons at schools in Washington and New Jersey, a media frenzy erupted around the products.

“It seems like everyone is waking up at the same time to the unique danger of this product,” said Linda Schactler, director of public affairs at Central Washington University.

The university has banned all alcoholic energy drinks after an off-campus party serving Four Loko resulted in nine students being sent to the hospital. One student almost died, she said.

Schactler said the incident was unprecedented.

“We have had parties and alcohol issues, but as far as I know, it hasn’t been 50 people and nine people weren’t sent to the hospital,” she said. “That sets it apart.”

UNC has begun a discussion about the beverages because of the controversy.

The University has not received any notices of problems involving the substances, so no policies have been proposed yet, said Dean Blackburn, assistant dean of students at UNC.

Duke has not acted against the substance either.

“At this time we are not planning to do that, but we are monitoring the situation,” said Keith Lawrence, spokesperson for Duke.

A 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko has an alcohol content of up to 12 percent — three times that of Bud Light — and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

The caffeine masks the sedative effects of alcohol, allowing people to keep drinking without getting tired, said Dr. Allen O’Barr, director of UNC Counseling and Wellness Services.

“The buzz of the alcohol only feels good while the alcohol level is rising, unless a stimulant is added,” he said. “The caffeine in the drink is allowing you to take your alcohol level higher and get into more dangerous situations.”

Andy Dobson, beer manager of TJ’s Beverage and Tobacco, said the responsibility rests on consumers.

“This is what they’re asking for,” he said. “If you’re too stupid to realize you can’t pound four 12 percent beers in 20 minutes … you deserve what you get.”

The store has increased its stock of Four Loko as the drink becomes more popular on campus.

“It is very much a college kid trend,” Dobson said.

But the companies behind the products say student drinking will not be solved by banning alcoholic energy drinks.

“Curbing alcohol abuse on college campuses will not be accomplished by singling out a lone product or beverage category,” said the makers of Four Loko in a statement responding to the incident at Central Washington University.

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.