Tag: alcohol
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CAMY Releases Study on Radio Alcohol Ads
The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) has issued a report claiming that “almost 1 out of 11 radio ads for alcoholic beverages in 75 markets across the nation in 2009 failed to comply with the alcohol industry’s voluntary standard for the placement of advertising.” According to CAMY, “Approximately 9 percent of all alcohol…
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Consumer Claims Skinnygirl™ Margarita Is Not “All Natural” as Advertised
A putative class action has been filed in a federal court in California against Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., alleging that the company’s Skinnygirl™ Margarita beverage, purportedly created by a natural foods chef, contains sodium benzoate and other preservatives and should not be advertised and sold as a “natural” product. Bonar v. Beam Global…
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California Governor Signs Caffeinated Beer Beverage Ban
California Governor Jerry Brown (D) has signed a bill (S.B. 39) prohibiting the importation, production and sale of caffeinated beer beverages in retail establishments throughout the state. Effective January 1, 2012, the legislation provides, in part, “Beer to which caffeine has been directly added as a separate ingredient shall not be imported into this state,…
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Texan Alleges Four Loko® Caused His Stroke
A 33-year-old man has filed a personal injury lawsuit in a Texas federal court against companies that made and sold the Four Loko® that allegedly caused the stroke he had in October 2010 immediately after consuming two cans of the caffeinated alcohol beverage. Villa v. Phusion Projects, LLC, No. __ (S.D. Texas, filed mid-July 2010).…
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Michigan Liquor Board Lifts Ban of “Raging Bitch” Beer
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has reportedly reversed its decision to ban sales of a Maryland-based beer with a controversial name. Flying Dog Brewery has received approval to promote and sell its “Raging Bitch” Belgian-Style IPA in Michigan. According to Flying Dog, the commission has barred the beer’s sale in Michigan since 2009, claiming its…
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Insurers Claim No Duty to Defend Four Loko Lawsuits
Insurance companies with policies covering Phusion Projects, Inc., which makes the caffeinated alcohol beverage Four Loko®, have filed a summary judgment motion in their declaratory judgment action against the company, claiming that a policy exclusion unambiguously frees them from defending or indemnifying the beverage maker. The Netherlands Ins. Co. v. Phusion Projects, Inc., No. 11-1253 (N.D.…
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Insurer Seeks Declaration of No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Maker of Four Loko®
Selective Insurance Co. of South Carolina has filed a declaratory judgment action against Phusion Projects, Inc., which makes and sells the caffeinated alcohol beverage Four Loko®, claiming that it owes no duty to defend or indemnify Phusion in a number of pending lawsuits. Selective Ins. Co. of S. Car. v. Phusion Projects Inc., No. 11-03378 (N.D. Ill.,…
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Alcohol Energy Drink Maker Sued in Teen’s Death
According to a news source, the family of a teenager has sued Phusion Projects, which makes the alcohol energy drink Four Loko®, alleging that their son’s disorientation after drinking two of the beverages led to his fatal accident. Rupp v. Phusion Projects, No. __ (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty., filed May 19, 2011). He allegedly…