NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Caffeinated alcoholic beverages like Four Loko will soon be gone from New York state, authorities say.
The maker of the popular, sweet drink has agreed with the State Liquor Authority to stop shipping it to New York distributors after Friday, the New York Daily News reported. And beer distributors will stop delivering it to retailers by Dec. 10.
The SLA will be able to fine any shops found selling Four Loko without proof it was ordered by the deadline, authorities said.
"I hope this will end the sale of this product in the state," said SLA Chairman Dennis Rosen.
"It shows that we are not turning a deaf ear to what's going on: That a select few have chosen to abuse our products, drink them while underage or break the law and sell them to minors," said Jaisen Freeman of Phusion Projects, which makes Four Loko.
A 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko contains as much alcohol as three cans of beer blended with the caffeine of three cups of coffee.
The agreements came after a sting operation at 28 stores in the Bronx last week yielded four arrests for selling the beverage to minors.
