The three-member North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to uphold an earlier decision by staff to deny product approval for a three-ounce alcopop proposed for sale in North Carolina.

Stout 21, a 15 percent alcohol by volume, flavored malt beverage produced in Kings Mountain, had asked for approval for a cylinder-shaped container with a rounded bottom for its beverage. No other state has approved the product in the non-traditional package.

"This was a very tough decision," said ABC Chairman Jim Gardner. "After listening to both sides, this commission is sending a loud and clear message to everyone who holds permits to manufacture or sell alcohol in this state that this commission is concerned about underage drinking, and we are taking steps to safeguard our children against it."

Before taking the vote, the commission heard from the Stout manufacturer and the company's legal representatives as well as from several speakers from the public health community.