The attorney general got involved with the issue as co-chairman of the National Association of Attorneys General's task force on youth access to alcohol. The group has been complaining about the beverages for more than a year.

Now, Shurtleff, along with the Democratic co-chairman of the task force, Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe, are circulating a letter warning that "underage drinkers have developed a thirst for these sweet alcoholic drinks and they are causing harm to our youth."

The letter states that the makers of the beverages hope "new drinkers will start on these sweet 'branded' drinks and move to the distiller's brand of hard liquor when the drinker matures."

Shurtleff said studies show the beverages are especially appealing to young women, including those who are underage, citing an American Medical Association finding that a third of teenage girls have tried the "girlie drinks," compared to one-fifth of boys that age.

One in four of girls reported driving or riding in a car with a driver who had been drinking after consuming the malt beverages. One in six said they had been sexually active after drinking.

The attorney general said he didn't believe his concerns were sexist despite the focus on the affect the beverages have on females.

"I certainly didn't look at it because I wanted to stop women from drinking," Shurtleff said.

The board isn't expected to make a decision at their next meeting on Sept. 30, but may schedule a public hearing on the issue.

"I would guess a lot of people will want to weigh in on this," said Ken Wynn, head of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department.

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