State Alcoholic Energy Drink Ban

South Carolinians who like a little jolt with their buzz may be banned from getting it through caffeinated alcohol drinks. A South Carolina house committee voted Thursday to outlaw the drinks.

The vote was decided based on public health and safety concerns. Caffeinated alcoholic drinks have long been the center of controversy. Some say the beverages are marketed to younger drinkers and pose increased health risks compared with regular alcoholic drinks, including increased heart rates.  Critics also say the hefty dose of caffeine in drinks can mask effects of alcohol.

The drinks are also easier consumed because of the taste, and they are relatively inexpensive; a can, which can be the equivalent of four or five beers, costs about $2.30 in the Columbia area, according to news reports .

The South Carolina bill will be taken up by a House committee next week, according to news reports. To become law, it would have to pass the House, state Senate and, in most cases, be signed by Gov. Nikki Haley.

As a North Charleston personal injury attorney , I always urge consumers to drink responsibly. Mixing caffeine and alcohol can be dangerous because caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. Drinking the two together can cause the drinker to mislead for tipsy they are, causing them to drink more, and resulting in blacking out, drunk driving and alcohol poisoning.

Some alcoholic energy drinks include: Sparks, Rockstar 2, Four Loko and Anheuser-Busch’s  B E

If you have been injured in a drunk driving car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston .