With the federal government cracking down hard on Four Loko, the controversial malt liquor drink that’s already been banned in several states, many businesses that once sold the beverage are finding themselves with an unwanted surplus of contraband booze. While most liquor and convenience store owners are simply dumping this orphaned Four Loko down the drain, or taking it home to black out on their own, two men in Los Angeles are allegedly giving it to those who need it least: the homeless.
According to Isabelle Gerard, a grad student who works in downtown L.A., the city’s notorious Skid Row was strewn with “dozens and dozens” of Four Loko cans on her walk to work this morning. Confused by the litter, she spoke to one of the Row’s residents, who told her that “two white men” have been making Four Loko shipments to Skid Row for the past couple nights. “Keeps people warm, you know,” said the man, who wouldn’t give his name. “It’s been f—-ing cold out here.”
The man said the Four Loko shipments have been coming in a white delivery truck with no signs on it. “I don't want to get them in trouble,” he said. “It's nice that they bring us sh—.”
Nice or no, the man said he doesn’t drink Four Loko himself. “I'd rather be cold than drink that sh—,” he said.
Cord Jefferson is a staff writer at The Root. Follow him on Twitter.