LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- New Mexico Attorney General Gary King is proposing a ban on caffeinated alcoholic drinks in the state to reduce underage drinking.

He plans to bring up the idea in this January’s legislative session.

“Well they do have the same packaging. The orange and the blue they look exactly the same but some of them say ‘contains alcohol,’” said Kelly Hubbard of Las Cruces, comparing cans of energy drinks to those with alcohol.

“We’ve been working since last year, our legislative group in the attorney general's office are coming up with legislation to codify this,” said Phil Sisneros, director of communication for the attorney general’s office.

But some residents said while the ban would be put in place to prevent underage drinking, it may not be effective.

“I think it's pointless. People are going to buy them anyway, or not them, but buy energy drinks and mix it. So it's kind of the same thing,” said Hubbard.

“People who are drinking underage aren't going to say, ‘Hmm, I think I should grab an energy drink with alcohol,' they're going to go for alcohol,” said Daniel Teichman of Las Cruces

Attorneys general across the U.S. are working on the similar legislation and have been for years to target the companies who make these products, and advertise them in ways that draw in younger crowds.

“Attorney General Gary King thinks it's the right time to start really making a push in this direction not only to protect our children, but to protect all motorists and people that are out there,” said Phil Sisneros, director of communications for the attorney general’s office.

Some said they hope it works and if not it would at least create awareness.

“If anything, maybe it makes it more difficult for it to be reachable by the masses,” said Chris Brillante of Las Cruces.

Also to note, it's not illegal to consume alcohol underage in New Mexico. It is illegal to possess or to buy beer underage.

King also hopes to pass legislation that closes that loophole, making it illegal to consume alcohol underage in the upcoming session.