Griffo Introduces Bill To Ban Powdered Alcohol

“Powdered alcohol is so easy to transport and hide in a pocket, making it more portable than a bottle or flask of liquor. It could be used illegally by young people and brought into schools and other venues that prohibit alcohol consumption,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “There could also be serious health risks from snorting this product to get alcohol directly to the brain. It could even be sprinkled onto someone’s food or in their drink without the other person’s knowledge.”

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, D-Brooklyn, is sponsor of a companion bill.

The FDA approved powdered alcohol on April 20, but quickly rescinded the approval, stating that it had been made in “error.” Lipsmark, the company that makes Palcohol, has resubmitted an application to the FDA for approval.

This legislation will ban the product in New York should the FDA decide to change their decision again to allow for the product to be marketed in the United States. Alaska outlawed powdered alcohol, and legislation to ban it is pending in Minnesota and Vermont.

Specifically, Sen. Griffo’s bill would prohibit anyone from selling, offering for sale or providing for consumption - outside a bar or tavern setting – any powdered or crystalline alcoholic product.

“Powdered alcohol in unnecessary and has the potential for danger and abuse,” said Griffo. “Should the FDA reverse its decision again and approve it, we should have a law in place to prohibit the sale of this product in New York.”