LogicSoDeveloped
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Amber Rice drank 190-proof Everclear, the strongest alcoholic beverage sold in stores, the night she died of alcohol poisoning in August 2010.
The product is 95 percent alcohol, yet the state regulates it the same as a product with 6 percent alcohol.
In late October, when The Jackson Sun told state Sen. Lowe Finney, D-Jackson, about the dangers of 190-proof Everclear and Rice's death at age 18, he was startled.
In response, Finney has since drafted a bill asking the state legislature to study regulations pertaining to products with high alcohol content. He plans to present the bill in January at the next legislative session.
"As far as really ultra-high-proof products, the goal in my mind would be to determine if there is a better way to regulate it," Finney said. "At the end of the day, you might very well come back with a report that says you don't need it in the stores. Clearly, it is a very dangerous product."
Sixteen states have made the sale of 190-proof Everclear to the general public illegal, according to Luxco Inc. of St. Louis, Mo., which makes Everclear. Tennessee is among 34 states where it is legally sold.
The Luxco website says this about Everclear: "The 'original' grain alcohol product, Everclear brand enjoys tremendous brand recognition and a loyal, near cult-status, following. 100% neutral spirits distilled from grain."
In comparison to 190-proof Everclear, most commonly consumed whiskey, such as Jack Daniel's, and vodka, such as Smirnoff, are 80 proof, meaning they are 40 percent alcohol. The alcoholic content of wine generally ranges from 11 percent to 14 percent. A 12-ounce Budweiser beer is 5 percent alcohol.
Mike Gautier, south central division manager for Luxco Spirits, said in an e-mailed statement that his company sends its "deepest sympathy" to Rice's family.
"This incident, allegedly involving underage consumption of our product and other alcohol beverage products which led to this terrible tragedy, is tragic," Gautier said. "Regrettably, despite diligent efforts to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, people of age still purchase and provide alcohol to teens."
continued at: http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20111120/NEWS01/111200340/?odyssey=obinsite