Palcohol may be problematic, restaurant association says

The Massachusetts Restaurant Association is poised to call for a ban on Palcohol, or powdered alcohol, citing concerns over patrons’ safety.

“We go to great lengths to responsibly serve alcohol in our restaurants,” Massachusetts Restaurant Association CEO Bob Luz told the Boston Business Journal. “We just think there’s an inherent danger with powdered alcohol.”

While four varieties of Palcohol were approved for sale by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau earlier this year, the product has yet to arrive in stores and has experienced opposition from a number of state legislatures.

Still, it’s getting the green light in others. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday struck down House Bill 2178, which would have banned powdered alcohol in that state.

The sale of powdered alcohol is currently illegal in Massachusetts, but many have raised concerns about consumers bringing the substance into Massachusetts from across state lines.

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