Powdered alcohol: You don't need to drink it straight

You may not jump for joy at the news that powdered alcohol has been federally approved for sale in the U.S. by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).  But you may enjoy following the dispute between those who have been campaigning to ban this product they consider dangerous and those that value freedom and the right to imbibe above all.

It's called "Palcohol." Though not yet available to consumers, in a few months it will go on sale throughout the country except in states that have banned it. So far, South Carolina, Vermont, and Louisiana have all done so.  In my home state, Illinois, a ban has passed the Senate but has yet to be taken up by the House.  Other states (including Colorado, New York, and Rhode Island) are also considering outlawing this product.  In Massachusetts, Palcohol can't be sold because the state's definition of an alcoholic beverage requires it to be a liquid.   In Maryland, alcohol wholesalers and distributers have agreed not to distribute or sell powdered alcohol. 

What is it?

Palcohol is a dried (powdered) new product that comes in l-oz. packets.  The packet is large enough to accommodate 6 oz. of water, which is what the consumer needs to add to make one shot of the drink. This summer, Palcohol plans to release the product in retail stores in 5 flavors: vodka, rum, cosmopolitan, powderita (which tastes like a margarita), and lemon drop.

The product was originally approved for sale in 2014, but, because of a labeling error, the approvals were surrendered. TTB granted final approval on March 10, 2015.

Who is likely to use this product?

Mark Phillips, creator of Palcohol, says it's ideal for the person who enjoys outdoor activities--picnicking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and so on--because it's lightweight and easy to carry.  But, in addition to its use as an alcoholic beverage, Phillips points out that his product can be used for medical purposes (as an antiseptic) and as an alternative fuel source, among other possible uses. 

Why are there objections? 

Those seeking to have the sale of Palcohol banned fear that the product could be harmful if consumers throw in an extra packet (or packets) of powder to make a super-strong drink or try to snort the product. Some fear that it might be sprinkled on food with or without the diner's knowledge and consumed in addition to liquid alcohol. There are also concerns that, because Palcohol can be more easily transported than liquid alcohol, it could more easily be snuck into schools, entertainment venues, and other facilities that do not allow alcohol.  Those who oppose the sale of the product worry especially about the risk to young people, fearing that high school and college students might be tempted to use powdered alcohol improperly.

On the Palcohol website, there's a strong online response to the attacks on Palcohol.  The site claims that Palcohol is safer than liquid alcohol. It responds to all the arguments in opposition to the sale of the item.  Furthermore, it argues, "No one wants a nanny government telling its citizens what they can and cannot drink."

What's the future of Palcohol?  We'll have to wait and see. Phillips expects all 5 flavors to be on the market this summer.  I don't know if I'll like the product, but I sure think the name is clever. 

Source(s):

usatoday .com  "What you need to know about powdered alcohol

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/03/12/palcohol-powdered-alcohol/70198862/  

livescience.com "Powdered Alcohol Is Now Legal-- But Is It Safe?"

http://www.livescience.com/50144-powdered-alcohol-concerns-palcohol.html

palcohol.com "Palcohol is powered alcohol" (There's a video, too.)

http://www.palcohol.com 

sj-r.com "Bill banning powdered alcohol cruises through Senate [in Illinois]"

http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150416/NEWS/150419595/10511/NEWS