Zippers Pulled by Liquor Department

Des Moines, Iowa (July 1, 2002) – As quickly as they appeared on grocery shelves, Zippers, the first commercially-produced gelatin shots spiked with 24 proof alcohol, will no longer be offered in Iowa. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, which began distributing the pre-packaged cups of fruit flavored gelatin in February, has discontinued wholesaling the product in Iowa.

Lynn Walding, Administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, today announced that the state has discontinued distribution of all four flavors of Zippers --Rum Rush, Tijuana Tease, Vodka Splash and Whiskey Drop - effective immediately. "The problem is the product looks an awful lot like the jell-o desserts kids pack in their school lunches, except that each cup contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine," Walding explained. "While there has not been a report of any accident to date, the state decided to act before an accident occurs."

As the father of two children, ages 4 and 7, Walding recently experienced a parent's concern when he had to refrigerate a package of Zippers at home that he intended to take to a multi-state trade practices committee meeting as an exhibit. "I was really worried that the kids would find them and mistake the product for their regular Jell-o treats, especially for my 4-year old that can't read a warning label."

Zippers, which are packaged in 8-packs, do contain a warning label. The Division, however, is concerned that such warnings do little to protect infants and small children that cannot read warnings. "A small child could easily consume several of the alcohol-spiked concoctions and not even be aware that they just consumed high-proof alcohol until it was too late," explained Walding.

Concern was also expressed at how the product is being marketed. "Zippers are being marketed in a manner that appeals to underage audiences," Walding noted. "Everything from the package design, the brightly-colored content to the product's promotions is designed to appeal to consumers under the legal drinking age."

Ardis Glace, Executive Director of the Iowa Substance Abuse Program Director's Association, supported the liquor department's decision to discontinue carrying Zippers in the state's wholesale distribution system. "The potential harm to young people posed by Zippers, as well as the attractive quality of the product to underage persons, warrant keeping the product off of Iowa's shelves."

The state listed Zippers in February and has sold over 500 cases of the product since then. Originally intended for nightclubs, Zippers were chiefly being sold in supermarkets in Iowa. "For a new product, sales have been solid with the state realizing profits of approximately $8,000 in the first quarter alone," noted the Division's product manager Jim Kuhlman. Zippers retail in Iowa for around $9.99.

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division's decision to discontinue selling the product means that the product will no longer be made available to retailers. Retailers, however, will be allowed to sell out their existing inventory of Zippers.

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Editor's Note: More can be learned about Zippers at the manufacturer's web site, which can be found at www.zippershot.com.