SeQuential Blog Biofuels: Convenience Store News - Oregon bans alcoholic energy drinks

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) has banned certain alcoholic energy drinks - effective immediately after a 4-1 vote at a special meeting last week.

These drinks have made recent headlines in the Eugene area with many UO undergraduates reportedly landing themselves in the emergency room after consuming several of the 24oz cans in one night.

“The OLCC has been concerned about the health risks of these products for some time,”says OLCC Chairman Philip Lang.

“It’s unfortunate that so many young people around the country were hurt by these products. We’re glad that we can play a role in preventing that from happening here in the future.”

Health experts confirm that the high level of caffeine can mask the effects normally felt from consuming alcohol in large volumes and the consumer therefore drinks more and more. Some cans have as much as 12% alcohol by volume, which puts one 24oz can equivalent to 4-5 regular sized beers. Combine that with the caffeine content and you are essentially drinking 4 beers and 2 cups of coffee at one time.

Why are we reporting on this?

Because "traditional" or "regular" convenience stores are the main retail locations for this controversial beverage. The drink is targeted at the youth market & people with smaller disposable incomes. It directly promotes rapid intoxication at the low cost.

These drink choices have no socially redeeming purposes & only go to illustrate the lack of ethics in convenience store management across the country. Just because you can make a profit off of something, doesn't mean that it's ok to sell it to your local community.

We're trying to be a better convenience store.

Our SeQuential retail station has adamantly refused to carry such products in our store because of these negative impacts of the drink. We love our community and there are so many better beverage choices that are readily available the Northwest. We feel this one is a no brainer because it only takes a little more effort to provide your customers with higher quality choices at different price points.

A short video by the Associated Press: