Advocacy group may sue A-B over alcohol in caffeine drinks
A Washington-based advocacy group has threatened to sue St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Cos. for marketing caffeinated drinks that contain alcohol. The Center for Science in the Public Interest claims A-B’s Bud Extra and Tilt drinks deliberately appeal to young consumers and that Web and magazine marketing imply that consuming alcohol and caffeine together allows people to drink more alcohol.
It is threatening similar lawsuits against Miller Brewing Co.
The center said A-B could avoid potential lawsuits in state courts if it agrees to stop selling alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine, guarana or ginseng and give up profits from the sale of Tilt and Bud Extra payday advance.
A-B said the formulation and labeling for Bud Extra and Tilt have been approved by federal authorities, and that the products are lawful in states where available.
The brewer said it will "vigorously defend (its) legal right" to compete within the category.
— JEREMIAH MCWILLIAMS