A Virginia Beach teen is charged with drunk driving and involuntary manslaughter for the death of his friend after a fatal car crash last month. Police believe the teen driver and the 16 year old purchased and drank an alcoholic energy drink before the accident. The drinks look very similar to non alcoholic energy drinks. Now ABC agents are concerned these drinks could be being sold to teenagers and clerks aren't even aware they are breaking the law.
"The energy drinks are a newer twist in the last year and that causing a lot of problems and attention," said Betty Gettings of the ABC.
The drinks can be found at almost any convenience store. They are supposed to be stored in a separate section, but it can be confusing to tell them apart.
"Many times the adult did not realize that the underage kids were drinking because they look like an energy drink," said Gettings.
Parents are distraught to hear underage drinkers are getting a hold of alcoholic energy drinks, but say unfortunately they see how they're doing it.
"I wouldn't know the difference if I looked in the store, maybe they should put alcohol in big red letters maybe on the can," said Denise Walters.
Parents say the fatal crash in Virginia Beach is proof enough that stores and parents need education because they feel this form of high energy is also highly dangerous.
"Their lives are ruined, they'll never get over it, never get over it," said Walters.
"The energy drinks are a newer twist in the last year and that causing a lot of problems and attention," said Betty Gettings of the ABC.
The drinks can be found at almost any convenience store. They are supposed to be stored in a separate section, but it can be confusing to tell them apart.
"Many times the adult did not realize that the underage kids were drinking because they look like an energy drink," said Gettings.
Parents are distraught to hear underage drinkers are getting a hold of alcoholic energy drinks, but say unfortunately they see how they're doing it.
"I wouldn't know the difference if I looked in the store, maybe they should put alcohol in big red letters maybe on the can," said Denise Walters.
Parents say the fatal crash in Virginia Beach is proof enough that stores and parents need education because they feel this form of high energy is also highly dangerous.
"Their lives are ruined, they'll never get over it, never get over it," said Walters.
