Powdered alcohol hits the market

Powdered alcohol products known as “Palcohol” have prompted regulatory action in six states: Alaska, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont.  On March 10, 2015, Palcohol passed reviews by the federal  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, but the product also falls within the jurisdiction state governments.  It’s scheduled for a nationwide launch into the consumer marketplace this summer.

"The safety of our children and adults who are at risk for addiction are too important to be jeopardized by a product with little redeeming value," said The Discovery House Founder, Tom Whiting, in a press release. "The likelihood of widespread Palcohol abuse — particularly among underage consumers — carries a real possibility of tragic consequences.”

The Discovery House in Los Angeles has called upon the California State Legislature to pre-emptively ban sales of in advance of their anticipated marketing distribution.

The product has been promoted for its practical advantages as a lightweight powder that can be mixed with water, negating the need to carry bottles. However, Whiting dismissed the supposed convenience of the product as minimal at best and potentially dangerous at worse.

"Palcohol poses the danger of mixing multiple packets of the powder into a single drink. It's also much easier to conceal than bottled beverages. This is an accident waiting to happen," said Whiting.

The consumer product will be sold in liquor stores just like liquid alcohol beverages. Other versions will be sold to hospitality establishments for custom mixing or for adding to other products such as ice cream, according to the palcohol.com