Proposed legislation in Illinois would ban powdered alcohol products

A proposed Illinois law would ban the sale of powdered alcohol before it hits store shelves.

State Sen. Ira Silverstein, a Chicago Democrat sponsoring the measure, said he doesn't want the product to reach stores. His plan amends the state's Liquor Control Act of 1934, according to the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises Newspapers (http://bit.ly/1xJINsS ).

"It's more of a public safety bill," Silverstein said. "We don't need people spiking beverages."

The bill defines powdered alcohol as "any powder or crystalline substance containing alcohol produced for human consumption."

The move to ban it comes as alcoholic powder maker Palcohol wants to make its product line available in the spring, according to the company's website.

Inventor Mark Phillips states on the website that he created the product with scientists to ease the burden of carrying alcohol while hiking, camping and other physicals activities. The company said it believes prohibiting sales of the product would create a black market.

"Banning powdered alcohol is the most irresponsible action a legislature can take," the company said in a statement.

Palcohol products include freeze-dried vodka, rum and cocktails.

A similar bill is under consideration in Indiana. Nearly one dozen other states, including New Jersey and New York, have approved laws banning the sale of powdered alcohol.

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The bill is SB67.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov