Bill seeks to prohibit sale and delivery of Palcohol

The powder looks harmless enough. But when added to water, the packet of Palcohol creates an adult beverage with the same alcohol content of a standard mixed drink.

It can also be snorted, creating a choking hazard, or abused, by adding too much powder or mixing it with drugs for a dangerous high, state lawmakers said.

Legislation that would prohibit the sale, delivery, or purchase of powdered alcohol is awaiting Gov. Christie's signature following overwhelming approval Monday by the Senate and Thursday by the Assembly.

"Powdered alcohol, much like liquid alcohol, is a dangerous substance that can cause serious harm," said Sen. Fred H. Madden Jr. (D., Gloucester). "This product can lead young people to experiment and abuse its contents, which could potentially have tragic results.

"By banning the sale of products consisting of powdered alcohol, we will ensure the safety and health of our children and families," said Madden, one of the measure's sponsors.

It passed the Senate by 39-1 and the Assembly by 69-5.

Concerns over the sale of Palcohol grew after the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved its sale in March. The powder - ethyl alcohol - is designed to be dissolved in a liquid to produce alcoholic beverages.

"The lure of this product to underage people and the potential for dangerous misuse among people of any age is ripe," said Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty (D., Gloucester), who introduced the bill in November. "Not only can it be inhaled, it can also be added to another person's food or drink unbeknownst to them.

"Because of its composition, powdered alcohol can also be easily concealed and brought into venues where alcoholic beverages from other sources might not be permitted or places where there is a total ban on alcoholic beverages," Moriarty said.

Seven states have outlawed the sale of powdered alcohol, and 39 others are considering a ban, according to earlier testimony in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

"Other states have made the sound decision to prohibit this harmful product to prevent any negative effects from its availability, including the potential to increase underage drinking and alcohol abuse," said Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D., Mercer), a bill sponsor. "Banning this substance in New Jersey is the right thing to do for our residents."

Colorful packaging can attract young children to open and consume powdered alcohol, lawmakers said. What's more, the mixing of multiple powdered substances into a single drink can pose a serious hazard.

"This product can be easily hidden and allows people to drink pretty much anywhere as long as they have water," added Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D., Middlesex), a bill sponsor. "That's trouble waiting to happen.

"Many people have a hard time limiting themselves with the liquid form," Coughlin said. "The potential for misuse is worrisome, especially among young people who may be experimenting with alcohol for the first time."

The bill on the governor's desk defines "powdered alcohol" as a powder or crystalline substance containing alcohol, produced for human consumption.

"The makers of this product say people would be foolish to try to snort this product," said Assemblyman Charles Mainor (D., Hudson), a bill sponsor. "I guess they never heard of the cinnamon challenge (when teenagers try to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon) or the fire challenge (when they set themselves on fire with a flammable liquid, then try to quickly extinguish the flames before they're burned).

"Young people are impressionable; even more so in our social media age," Mainor said. "The last thing we need is another potentially dangerous fad for young people to get into and promote on the Internet."

Federal approval of the product prompted a storm of opposition from health experts, public health officials, and media outlets, lawmakers said.

"This product, with its powdery form, trivializes the effects of alcohol, which can be especially dangerous for young people who often binge drink," said Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D., Middlesex), another sponsor. "From alcohol poisonings on college campuses to alcohol-fueled accidents, youth and alcohol are often a bad mix.

"We don't need a product that makes it even easier for them to drink irresponsibly," she said.