MILLER-COORS ALCOHOL PLUS CAFFEINE DRINK QUESTIONED - Most Calhoun Students Say Alcohol "Easy" To Get

(09/19/2008)

Twenty-five states, including West Virginia, are asking MillerCoors LLC to give up their plans for a new caffeine-infused alcoholic energy drink. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal called the Sparks Red Drink is a "recipe for disaster." Blumenthal said adding caffeine to alcoholic beverages reduces a drinkers' sense of intoxication. He said young drinkers are especially vulnerable because of their limited judgment and risky behaviors in driving and other activities. MillerCoors have not responded to the request. Last week the Center for Science in the Public Interest said it sued MillerCoors to stop the brewer from selling Sparks, saying it's going after a bigger teen market with the drink. About 78% of Calhoun High School seniors who responded to the Pride Survey (Class of 2008) said alcohol was "fairly easy or very easy" to get. About 67% of 8th grade students at Calhoun Middle School responded by saying alcohol was "fairly easy or very easy" to get. The legal drinking age in West Virginia is 21.

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