Anheuser-Busch has agreed to discontinue production of it’s alcoholic energy drinks "Tilt" and "Bud Extra." The move follows questions raised about the beverages from the Iowa Attorney General’s office, where Bob Brammer serves as spokesperson.
"We considered that, especially with strong advertising that they pushed out, basically a dangerous mixture of alcohol and high caffeine," Brammer said. Attorneys General from 10 other states joined Iowa in the agreement with Anheuser-Busch.
Brammer says Tilt, Bud Extra and other so-called "alco-pops" are popular with college age students who tend to drink several cans in one night. "Caffeine can give drinkers the false belief that they can function without being impaired and that’s just not the case," Brammer said. "There can be very much intoxicating effects of alcohol, but people can get the wrong belief that the caffeine in the drink will counter-act it."
The Attorneys General issued investigative subpoenas to Anheuser-Busch based on accusations of consumer protection law violations. Brammer says it appeared Anheuser-Busch was directing it’s advertising of Tilt and Bud Extra at people under the legal drinking age and they misled consumers with false statements about the drinks’ "energizing" effects.
The A-G’s are continuing to investigate alcoholic energy drinks manufactured by other companies. Brammer believes there are around a dozen other companies producing such beverages.