Texas House Bans Malt Liquor Containing Stimulants

The Texas House has passed a ban on making and selling malt liquor containing stimulants, including caffeine and ginseng.

Approved Thursday, the measure won't apply to malt liquor where stimulates occur naturally.

Supporters say beverages that mix alcohol and certain stimulants have led to heart attacks and deadly car crashes.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration warned four companies that make caffeine and alcohol drinks that their products were unsafe.

The sale of one, Four Loko, has been banned by at least 13 states through their alcohol control boards, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Opponents of the Texas measure warned that it creates a slippery slope of regulating alcoholic beverages containing caffeine -- such as Red Bull and vodka or rum and Coke.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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