Some OK Authorities Want To Outlaw Powdered Alcohol

Opposition is lining up against a new product that could soon be on the shelves of Oklahoma liquor stores. It's called Palcohol. It's powdered alcohol, and would sell for about four dollars a packet, or drink. 

The federal government approved the product three weeks ago. However, five states have already outlawed the product. Twenty-eight other states, including Oklahoma, have introduced legislation calling for an all-out ban on the product. 

Oklahoma Department of Health and Substance Abuse Prevention Director Jessica Hawkins said powdered alcohol would make alcohol more accessible to young people. “In Oklahoma there's action being taken right now to seriously look at this product to see if it's a good fit for this state,” she said. 

Palcohol Founder Mark Phillips told News 9 Monday his product does not target young people as critics have charged. He said Palcohol would be available only in liquor stores, and would cost three times more than regular liquid alcohol. He said if the product is banned, it will still find its way into people's hands. He also said fears that people would snort the product are unfounded. He said that's because Palcohol is too painful to snort. “It's cheaper, faster, and less painful to get drunk on liquid alcohol,” he said.