Four Loko banned from New York shelves

Drinks known as “Blackout in a Can” may soon be canned themselves.

The maker of Four Loko, the highly caffeinated alcohol beverage, has agreed to stop sending the drink to New York distributors by Friday, officials announced Sunday.

Distributors also have agreed to stop supplying stores with the drinks by Dec. 10, with business still selling the beverages after that subject to fines.

“We have an obligation to keep products that are potentially hazardous off the shelves,” said State Liquor Authority Chairman Dennis Rosen.

The fruity-flavored drinks have already been banned in four states and have been implicated in the hospitalization of dozens college students.

Phusion Projects, the manufacturer of Four Loko, could not be reached for comment Sunday.

(With Newsday)