Powdered alcohol is a new product launching in the U.S. this summer, but a survey shows little consumer support within the adult population.
Although under-age drinking and binge drinking rates are on a decline across the U.S., the most cited argument by adults surveyed in this poll is their concern that underage teens will largely abuse it.
Legislation to ban the powdered alcohol is already underway in several states across the U.S., with a swiping majority approving the ban.
Powdered alcohol is poised to be released as a hit product this summer, featuring several all time favorite flavors: vodka, rum, kamikaze, mojito and other simple or mixed drinks. When it is added in a glass of water the powder instantly transforms in the alcohol molecules it was derived from.
The manufacturer’s advertisements are allegedly targeted at people who would like to travel lightly, campers and those who could use the on-the-go pouches filled with the magic powder.
The survey was conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Overall results show that 60 percent of U.S. adult citizens would like to see a full ban in place on powdered alcohol. 84 percent are in favor of banning the online selling of powdered alcohol.
In a video demonstrating how the powdered alcohol is obtained and used, the CEO of Palcohol, Mark Phillips indicates that one package of the powder is 500 percent larger than one bottle of alcohol measuring 50 milliliters. Lightweight as it may be, it is still not easy to hide.
The more important issue is the shift the new product could produce in drinking behavior of underage U.S. citizens. According to the adults polled in this survey, it would encourage more underage drinking.
Considering one out of three adults have never heard of the product before, legislation is definitely a must. If not to ban powdered alcohol, at least to regulate it and its use.
Some states took the matter into their hands beforehand. Louisiana, Vermont and South Carolina have already prepared legislation to ban powdered alcohol on their territory.
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