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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 5, 2015 03:23 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Leslie Acosta |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting the sale, use and possession of powdered alcohol |
| In the near future I plan to introduce legislation that would ban the sale, use and possession of powdered or crystallized alcohol in Pennsylvania. Powdered alcohol is simply freeze-dried alcohol in powder form, packaged in small packets that promise an easy way to take a drink on the go. When mixed with water, the powder dissolves and the alcohol is then released into the drink. Many health experts believe the risk of abuse with powdered alcohol is high, and there is significant concern it could be easily misused or abused, with potentially dangerous consequences. The convenience of the packets could encourage over-consumption of alcohol, as well as an increase in DUI and other related accidents. In addition, the ability and ease to conceal and carry the odorless and tasteless alcohol would provide an attraction to minors, becoming what some experts have coined as the “Kool-Aid” of alcohol consumption. Last year, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved a version of powdered alcohol, a product known as Palcohol, but then later reversed that decision based upon public concern over the availability of the product. It is reported that Palcohol is once again seeking approval from the federal government to sell powdered alcohol in the U.S. Many states have already taken action to ban this substance, including Alaska, Louisiana, South Carolina and Vermont, with similar legislation pending in Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. With so many questions still unanswered regarding powdered alcohol, and the potential risks for abuse, underage use and overconsumption, Pennsylvania should take a proactive approach in protecting its citizens. This product strays from the tradition and practice of responsibly drinking alcohol. I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. |
Introduced as HB847