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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL)

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Rep. Atkins Introduces Legislation Banning Powdered Alcohol

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

St. Paul, Minnesota — Today state Representative Joe Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights) introduced legislation banning powdered alcohol, also known as Palcohol. Powdered alcohol is freeze-dried alcohol in powdered form and some health experts are afraid it could be easily misused or abused.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved Palcohol, but quickly rescinded the approval, stating that the approvals were “issued in error.” Palcohol is re-submitting their labels and there is a chance the product could still come to market this year.

Vermont is already moving to ban the substance, with other states likely to follow.

Rep. Atkins said he’s concerned people will underestimate the potency of the product and that it could end up in the hands of children.

“Virtually every possible use for powdered alcohol is nefarious, not to mention potentially dangerous,” said Rep. Atkins. “The different flavorings make it appealing to children and students who could easily sneak packets into school. This powder could also be inhaled or snorted, bringing a whole new world of problems into play.

“With how quickly this is moving, we shouldn’t wait until next session to deal with this issue. We need to move quickly to protect public health