Powder alcohol ban advances to Texas House

A label for the "Powderita" (margarita) version of "Palcohol" powdered alcohol. A label for the "Powderita" (margarita) version of "Palcohol" powdered alcohol. Photo: LIPSMARK LLC Via Alcohol And Tobacco Tax And Trade Bureau Photo: LIPSMARK LLC Via Alcohol And Tobacco Tax And Trade Bureau Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close Powder alcohol ban advances to Texas House 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN — A state House committee has voted unanimously to make it illegal to sell or possess powdered alcohol, moving to preemptively ban a controversial new product that is still months away from hitting store shelves.

In an 8-0 vote, the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee on Monday sent a measure to the full House by state Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, to designate powdered alcohol as an "illicit beverage." The committee also recommended the bill get placed on the House's local and consent calendar, which is designated to fast-track noncontroversial measures.

Marketed under the brand name Palcohol, powdered alcohol received final federal approval earlier this month. Its inventor, who has pushed powdered alcohol as a way to enjoy an alcoholic drink on the go, says the product could be available online and in liquor stores by this summer.

Texas lawmakers have raised concerns that powdered alcohol will lead to a new wave of underage abuse, comparing it to the alcoholic energy drink Four Loko. Lawmakers also worry that the powder sold in a small pouch could easily be snuck into bars, restaurants and sporting events, cutting into tax revenue relied upon by those venues.

About six states have already banned Palcohol, including Alaska, Louisiana and Maryland. More than two dozen states were poised to debate how to handle powdered alcohol during legislative sessions this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On Monday, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a measure to tax and regulate powder alcohol just like liquor and beer.