DWT client Mateveza (an organic, naturally caffeinated beer) responded quickly to the State of Michigan's efforts to ban "alcohol energy drinks" from the market.

The rash of regulatory responses to caffeinated products is driven largely by headline-grabbing problems at a few certain campus parties (which appear to have included not only beverages in this category, but many other irresponsibly consumed substances -- including illicit drugs as well as distilled spirits sold through the state liquor control system). Neo-temperance supporters have latched on to this policy opportunity in an effort to more broadly push their agendas at the state level, even though the federal FDA continues to study the issue and has not made any safety determinations about the mix of caffeine and alcohol.

All suppliers of caffeinated beverages would be well-served to watch where this leads...