Terry Goddard Commends Decision to Stop Selling Spykes

(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 18, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard today applauded the decision by Anheuser-Busch Companies to stop the production of Spykes, a caffeinated malt beverage available in fruit and chocolate flavors.

A week ago, Goddard joined 28 other state Attorneys General in a letter asking the company to reconsider the marketing of Spykes and provide readable warning labels that alert consumers about health risks. The letter noted that medical doctors and public health professionals have warned that combining caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol – a practice popular among young people – poses significant health and safety risks.

Anheuser-Busch Chief Executive August Busch IV announced the decision to discontinue the product during a panel at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association’s annual conference in California. The drinks have been sold nationwide since January.

“These kinds of drinks clearly appeal to children in both taste and appearance, and their caffeine content dangerously masks the effects of the alcohol,” Goddard said. “This was the right decision and a significant step in the fight against underage drinking.”