City Councilors pushed for a ban on Four Loko and other caffeinated alcoholic drinks Wednesday, saying they want to thwart a tragedy on local college campus.

The council voted on Wednesday to hold a hearing on Four Loko, which has been blamed in recent weeks for the hospitalization and death of college students around the country. But within an hour of the council meeting adjourning, the Food and Drug Administration sent warnings to the makers of Four Loko and other alcoholic energy drinks, saying their products violate federal laws.

In an interview late Wednesday, At-Large Councilor John Connolly, who co-sponsored the request for a hearing, said the FDA decision would probably make a citywide ban on such drinks unnecessary, and a council hearing on the issue moot. 

"From what I'm learning about the FDA announcement, this probably takes care of our concerns," Connolly said. "This was unexpected but really welcome news."

During the council meeting, Connolly urged for aggressive action on Four Loko, which is known on campuses as "blackout in a can."

"Until we know a blanket ban has been enacted on a statewide or national level, we need to move forward to set the standard and get this off the shelves," Connolly said.

Before the FDA decision today, councilors were aware that both state and federal officials were investigating Four Loko, but they were concerned that any regulation would only "repackage" the product.

"If it's just repackaging, that's not enough," District 3 Councilor Maureen Feeney said. "I don't even understand why it's on the public market. There comes a time when we draw a line on just how far this industry can go."

In other action at Wednesday's meeting:

• The council passed a resolution in support of Transgender Awareness Week, which ends on Sunday. Boston is one of three municipalities in the state that has passed legislation in support of transgender rights. Representatives from Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition were on hand to thank the council for its support and promote events. For more information, visit www.masstpc.org.
• The council gave the Department of Neighborhood Development a green light to apply for and accept a $7.3 million federal grant to renew existing rental assistance contracts for homeless persons with disabilities.
• The council approved the use of a $5 million grant and rebates from NStar to promote energy efficiency and energy savings to public buildings. The Public Works Department, the Property and Construction Management Department and the Environment Department will distribute the funds and rebates.
• Councilors accepted and authorized a $1.65 million grant for the Police Commissioner, which will be used to combat youth, gang and gun violence.