By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York State is considering a law that would ban caffeinated and booze-infused drinks, the New York Daily News reported.
Currently, the law doesn't allow banning of specific products that have been approved federally. But, after concerns about the potency of drinks like Four Loko, Joose, Monster Assault and Amp, the Liquor Authority may try to change that law.
The fruit-flavored, alchohol-energy cocktails contain up to 12 percent alcohol and carry as much caffeine as two cups of coffee. At about $3 each, they're popular among college students.
"Obviously, we're concerned," Liquor Authority spokesman William Crowley told the News. "The problem is, as it's written, the statute doesn't give us the power to ban these products."
Although the alcohol-energy drink Four Loko was blamed for hospitalizing nine college students in Washington State in October after a party.
It was also linked to a gay-bias attack in the Bronx.
But its makers say it's no different from other alcohol and caffeine-mixed drinks, like Red Bull and vodka, the News reported.
