Cuckoo Four Loko: Alcoholic Energy Drinks & the Benefits of a Soft Regulatory Health Policy

Matthew T. Dobbins

Abstract

In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration took action against the alcoholic energy drink “Four Loko,” responding to growing concerns with caffeinated alcoholic beverages. Four Loko voluntarily removed the caffeine from its product, but the threat of these drinks remains. The danger requires a more comprehensive health policy that engages healthcare professionals, the public, and regulators. This article creates the framework for such an approach. Restricted advertising and warning labels will increase general public knowledge. The use of Brief Interventions by healthcare workers provides tailored attention and a tax on caffeinated alcohol will further discourage individuals from drinking these high-risk beverages. A multi-faceted health policy based on soft regulation techniques may better address this issue than previous ineffective government efforts.