Powdered Alcohol Could Increase the Danger of Drunk Driving Accidents in Kentucky

The path is clear for a controversial new alcoholic drink to hit Kentucky store shelves this summer, despite the efforts of lawmakers who tried to get it banned. A bill to prohibit sales of powdered alcohol died in the Kentucky House of Representatives last month, even as nearly 30 states are considering similar ban. Six states have outlawed it entirely, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.

Lawmakers criticized the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s recent approval of Lipsmark LLC request to sell the powdered alcohol, called Palcohol. A one-ounce packet of the product dissolved in six ounces of water creates a beverage with the same alcoholic content as a standard mixed drink and comes in flavors such as vodka, rum, cosmopolitan and margarita.

Palcohol was created by Mark Phillips, an avid outdoorsman who wanted to find a way to enjoy a drink after a day of hiking without worrying about how to carry beer or wine in a backpack. Phillips claims that the product has value beyond recreational use and can be used in a variety of industries ranging from medicine and manufacturing to travel and hospitality.

But critics fear that powdered alcohol will be abused, particularly among underage drinkers and increase the risk of drunk driving. Likening powdered alcohol to Kool-Aid, New York Sen. Charles Schumer has introduced federal legislation that would make the production, sale and possession of powdered alcohol illegal nationwide.

Opponents are also concerned that individuals, both young and old, will try to snort or inject powdered alcohol, or even use it to spike food. The inventor of powdered alcohol disagrees, contending that any ban would simply make powdered alcohol even more attractive to people.

He states that a ban on Palcohol will simply create a black market that will make it easier for youngsters to acquire it because distribution won’t be controlled as it would be in a liquor store.

However, the arguments are muddled by statements on earlier version of the Palcohol website that said that it could easily be sprinkled over guacamole and snorted to get drunk quickly, according to the New York Times.

Whether Liquid or Powder, You Must Be Responsible With Alcohol

The lawyers at the Frank Jenkins Law Office will continue to monitor the developments over the regulation of powdered alcohol. But no matter what the outcome, the fact remains that every driver is responsible for controlling how much alcohol he or she consumes. No one should ever get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking.

Instead, make plans ahead of time to stay safe. Select a designated driver to take you home or program the number of a taxi company into your cell phone.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided a list of the following sober ride companies in Kentucky:

JEFFERSON

CityScoot
Phone: 502-566-6384
Hours: 10p.m.-5a.m. Monday-Sunday
Details: A driver drives you home in your own vehicle – Fee same as cab fare.
http://www.cityscoot.com/

LEXINGTON

Be My DD
Phone: 1-877-823-6933
Hours: 24/7
Details: A driver takes you home in your own vehicle
http://www.bemydd.com/our_services

LOUISVILLE

Be My DD
Phone: 1-877-823-6933
Hours: 24/7
Details: A driver takes you home in your own vehicle
http://www.bemydd.com/our_services

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Kentucky, you may be eligible to seek compensation to cover your medical bills and other losses. Talk to a knowledgeable Lexington car accident lawyer to understand your legal options.

Sources:

Lexington Herald Leader – Washington Lawmakers Consider Powered Alcohol Ban
The Hill – Schumer Moves to Ban Powdered Alcohol