States urge MillerCoors to scrap new energy drink

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The attorneys general of 25 states are urging MillerCoors to abandon plans to launch a new version of its Sparks alcoholic energy drink, claiming that it is even more dangerous than the original drinks.

Attorneys general, including New York's Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal, said they sent a letter to the brewer on Wednesday, calling on it to shelve plans for Sparks Red, whose launch is planned for October 1.

Miller Brewing spokesman Julian Green said he had not seen the letter and could not confirm its receipt by the newly formed company, which combines the U.S. operations of SABMiller PLC and Molson Coors Brewing Co.

Sparks is a line of canned alcoholic drinks that contain stimulants like caffeine and taurine, which are often found in popular energy drinks such as Red Bull, Rockstar and Full Throttle.

Sparks Red will have an 8 percent alcohol content, up from 7 percent for its Sparks Plus and 6 percent for its light and original versions.

Earlier this month the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest sued MillerCoors over Sparks, seeking a court order to prevent the sale of the drink.

Critics claim that Sparks' marketing, along with its bright color and sweet taste, appeal to young drinkers. They add that the stimulants mask feelings of drunkenness, leading drinkers to exceed their normal limits, resulting in more drunk driving, more injuries and more sexual assaults.

In June, Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc agreed to stop selling its caffeinated alcoholic drinks under an agreement with 11 state attorneys general who had alleged that the brewer was marketing the products to underage drinkers.

Green, who noted the existence on the market of caffeinated drinks with higher alcohol levels, said MillerCoors does not target Sparks at kids and noted that the drink's label and formulation meet all federal regulations.

(Reporting by Martinne Geller, editing by Dave Zimmerman)