Palcohol, a recently legalized “just add water” powdered alcohol drink, is expected to go on sale this summer.
Most adults don’t know about it. When they do find out — they don’t approve.
According to a report published Monday by the University of Michigan, 6 in 10 adults said they favor a ban on powdered alcohol. Nearly all said they were concerned it will be misused by underaged drinkers.
“The majority of adults agree that powdered alcohol may spell trouble for young people,” said Matthew Davis, director of the National Poll on Children's Health and a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, in a statement.
The drink mix, which comes in vodka, rum and “powderita,” was approved for sale by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in March.
The 1-ounce packets are mixed with 6 ounces of water, according to the company website. But even though Palcohol is expected to go on sale this summer, two-thirds of adults said they haven’t heard of it.
Underage drinking is linked to social, psychological and academic issues and an increased risk of physical or sexual assault. About 1 in 5 high school students admit to binge drinking,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Parents, communities, and healthcare providers already face serious challenges with underage alcohol abuse and its harmful effects on children’s health,” Davis said.
Lawmakers fear kids will snort Palcohol or add it to food. More than a dozen states have banned powdered alcohol, while others passed legislation to regulate it the same as liquid alcohol.
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According to the National Council of State Legislatures, powdered alcohol is banned in:
- Alaska
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Several other states are considering legislation to regulate or ban powdered alcohol.
Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk.
