A measure (A-3580/S-2846) state Assemblyman Ron Dancer sponsored that bans the sale of powdered alcohol in New Jersey has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie. Powdered alcohol, commonly known as Palcohol, was approved for sale by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in March, according to a press release.
“This is not like mixing Kool-Aid or iced tea,” said Dancer (R-Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Middlesex). “Mixing multiple packs can lead to an overdose or be fatal. The health risks from abuse at sporting events or in public far outweigh the convenience of carrying small packets that only need to be mixed with six ounces of water.
“The opportunity to illegally obtain this product is a major concern, especially for our youth. It poses another challenge in our colleges and schools. The sale of this product is inviting another form of addiction,” he said.
In addition to New Jersey, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Vermont have already banned powdered alcohol or have legislation pending that would do so, according to the press release.