If the federal government gives approval to a new powdered alcohol product, some state lawmakers want to be ready to keep it out of Ohio stores.
Two state representatives introduced legislation Monday that would prohibit the sale of powdered alcohol, a substance that’s been stirring controversy around the country.
The bipartisan bill comes after federal regulators in April approved labels for Palcohol, powdered liquor in a pouch that can be mixed with water to make vodka, rum and other drinks.
Regulators soon retracted the approvals, saying they were issued in error, but the makers of Palcohol have reapplied and say they hope to have the product on store shelves by September.
That’s concerning to state Rep. Ron Gerberry, an Austintown Democrat co-sponsoring the bill. Gerberry said in an interview that he feared children would be able to easily obtain and over-consume powdered alcohol.
Should powdered alcohol be banned in Ohio? Would you give Palcohol a shot? Let us know in the comments below.
“Basically, what you’re doing is making alcoholic Kool-Aid,” Gerberry said.
There’s no mention of powdered alcohol in existing Ohio law. Gerberry said he and state Rep. Jim Buchy, a Greenville Republican, introduced legislation so lawmakers can quickly consider a ban or regulations if federal regulators give Palcohol the go-ahead.
The legislation, House Bill 594, currently includes no penalties for those who sell powdered alcohol and would not ban possession of it.
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