Legislation aiming to ban powdered alcohol returns to Indiana Senate for further action

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) that aims to ban the sale and manufacturing of powdered alcohol in Indiana is now returning to the Indiana Senate for concurrence.

The ban is contained in Senate Bill 6, which makes purchasing, possessing or using powdered alcohol a Class B infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The bill was amended in the Indiana House to assign the topic of powdered alcohol to an interim study committee for further discussion.

Back in March, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved the sale of a powdered alcohol product called “Palcohol.” One ounce of Palcohol can be mixed into any liquid to create a drink with the same alcoholic content as a shot of liquor. The powdered booze product has yet to hit the shelves but is expected to reach stores this summer, unless SB 6 is signed into law by Governor Mike Pence.

“I’m concerned about powdered alcohol due to the unlimited potential for underage drinking, even over-consumption by adults of legal drinking-age,” GiaQuinta said. “People might use the powder in unintended ways, like snorting it, spiking others’ drinks, or mixing it with liquor to create a dangerously intoxicating concoction. It could possibly be concealed at school functions, sporting events or other places where alcohol is prohibited.”

Supporters of SB 6 wonder whether Palcohol’s packaging would contain a warning about the dangers of adding the product to other alcoholic beverages, which GiaQuinta says could lead to an alcohol overdose.

“Since the powder isn’t on the market yet, no one knows if it has a discernible smell or can be easily hidden,” explained GiaQuinta. “This legislation is necessary, because I believe there isn’t enough research to justify selling powdered alcohol in our state. I think the unaddressed problems outweigh any possible benefits.”

Palcohol’s website describes the substance as a lightweight, convenient alternative for buyers who want to enjoy alcoholic beverages without carrying heavy bottles. The product comes in four varieties meant to mimic the flavors of rum, vodka, cosmopolitan and margarita.

Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina and Vermont already have banned powdered alcohol. An additional 23 other states, including Minnesota, Ohio, New York and Colorado, are currently considering bans.