New York state bans powdered alcohol

August 14 New York on Friday became the most populous U.S. state to ban the sale of powdered alcohol, a controversial just-add-water beverage that opponents say will lead to a rise in underage drinking and abuses.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved Palcohol earlier this year.

With the signing, New York joins 20 other states in banning the sale of the substance, known by the brand Palcohol.

But it can also be easily concealed, snorted or sprinkled onto food.

“I am proud to sign this legislation that will keep powdered alcohol off the shelves and out of the wrong hands”, Cuomo said in a statement. We are all well aware of the unfortunate price that is paid when our children and our communities are gripped by substance abuse and addiction – promising lives are shattered, stable homes are turned upside down, and neighborhoods are left searching for solutions.

The site calls state bans on Palcohol “irresponsible” and lays out several reasons why it’s a “bad decision”, including that it limits freedom of choice for responsible adults and that a ban actually increases demand and makes it easier for kids to get. “Powdered alcohol is a product with no legitimate reason for being”, he said.