Maker of Four Loko to stop shipments to NY state

NEW YORK (AP) — The maker of a caffeinated alcoholic drink that has been banned in four states has agreed to stop shipments to New York state.

Gov. David Paterson and the State Liquor Authority announced the agreement Sunday with Chicago-based Phusion Projects. It makes the drink Four Loko and says it wants to be known for cooperation, not controversy.

The agreement comes along with a previously announced deal by the state’s largest beer distributors agreed to stop selling caffeinated alcoholic drinks.

The authority says it is concerned about the drinks because they can have as much alcohol as several beers and are potentially harmful. They have been banned in Michigan, Washington, Utah and Oklahoma.

The federal Food and Drug Administration is reviewing their safety.