Australia moves to ban powdered alcohol

The Victorian government is calling on other states to support a ban on Palcohol following concerns distributors will look to launch the powdered alcohol brand in Australia.

Founded by Mark Phillips, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved the sale of Palcohol in the US earlier this month, despite several states including Virginia, Ohio and New York already banning the product due to concerns over health risks.

On its website, Palcohol states that it is looking for distributors in “all other countries” apart from the US, sparking concerns from Victoria state officials that the brand will soon make its way overseas.

As reported by ABC News, minister for liquor regulation Jane Garrett said she would write to her interstate and federal counterparts to stop Palcohol from entering the Australian market.

“This product is dangerous,” Garrett said. “It will be easy to get into venues, easy to carry around in backpacks, it’s obviously a bit of a novelty.

“Regulating the amount that’s used is really difficult. How this thing is measured, if it’s poured into a punch bowl, what does it do? There’s concern that people might be snorting it.”

Doctor Tony Bartone, Victorian president of the Australian Medical Association, backed the notion to ban Palcohol.

“It just lends itself to an unwanted possibility of abuse and excess that sends the wrong message of excess in culture that is seeking to promote alcohol in moderation,” he said. “It’s about ensuring we have a reliable, predictable amount of alcohol in what we consume.”

Garrett added that while she has the power to ban Palcohol in Victoria, she wanted national support on the matter, arguing governments have a duty to ensure “dangerous products” were not available to young people.

Phillips defends “knee-jerk” reactions

Palcohol founder Phillips has vehemently defended powdered alcohol, criticising states’ “knee-jerk” reactions to ban the product.

Following the TTB’s approval of Palcohol in the US, Phillips said in a statement: “What information does anyone have that the federal agencies don’t have that would cause one to ban it – especially since no one has had access to the product and has no first hand knowledge of it?

“It’s irresponsible to pass laws based on speculation.

“There is not one compelling, verified reason to ban powdered alcohol.

“In fact, banning it would be the most irresponsible action as it will create a black market, make it easier for underage users to get it, deny the state substantial tax revenue [and] deny the citizens and businesses access to a revolutionary new product that has so many positive benefits.

“Because of those reasons, powdered alcohol should be legal, regulated and taxed just like liquid alcohol.”