The latest example of a dangerous drink, called "Blast by Colt 45," is being promoted by music star Snoop Dogg in an obvious attempt to target urban youth.
Marin Institute, the alcohol industry watchdog, is calling on California State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) to strengthen his bill and put a halt to "supersized alcopops" like Blast. The 12% alcohol, 23.5 oz, single serving cans are the latest binge-drinking threat to underage and young adult drinkers.
"While the federal government was shutting down dangerous caffeinated alcohol, Pabst Brewing Company was cooking up 'Blast,' a super sweet, fruit-flavored, supersized alcopop containing as much alcohol as four and a half cans of beer," said Bruce Lee Livingston, Marin Institute executive director and CEO. "Joose, Four Loko, Tilt, and now Blast are racing to the bottom to harm youth. Senator Padilla's bill should limit such products to one standard-size drink."
Last November the federal government banned seven dangerous caffeinated alcoholic beverages including Four Loko and Joose. Senator Padilla's bill (SB 39) codifies part of the federal ruling to ensure new products combining caffeine and alcohol are not sold in California. Marin Institute maintains that the bill does not go far enough to protect the public health and safety especially of California's youth.
More than 2.3 million underage youth drink alcohol each year in California. Underage drinking costs the state a staggering $7.3 billion annually. Youth violence, crime, car crashes, and high-risk sex are the most noticeable results.
SB 39 will be heard in the Senate Governmental Organization (GO) Committee on Tuesday, March 22 in Sacramento. Marin Institute is encouraging people to tell Senator Padilla and the GO Committee Chair Rod Wright (D-Los Angeles) to protect the health and safety of California youth and all residents by amending the bill to ban all caffeinated alcohol beverages and ban the supersized alcopops that are taking their place.
