Effective January 1, 2016 the State of Illinois now joins 26 other states that ban the sale of powdered alcohol. The House Bill introducing this new legislation reads as follows:
SB 67/PA 99-0051
Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that no person shall sell, offer for sale, or deliver, receive, or purchase for resale in this State any product consisting of or containing powdered alcohol. Defines “powdered alcohol” as any powder or crystalline substance containing alcohol produced for human consumption.
What is Powdered Alcohol?
Powdered alcohol consists of freeze-dried or dehydrated alcohol that can be consumed either as a powder or mixed with water. Perhaps the best known brand of powdered alcohol is “Palcohol”, which comes in two different varieties, Cosmopolitan (“Vodka with Natural Flavors, Sucralose and Artificially Colored”) and Powderita (“Alcohol with Natural Flavors, Sucralose, and Certified Colors”).
Penalties for Selling Powdered Alcohol in Illinois
House Bill 67, which was passed unanimously 113-0 with no debate, prohibits the sale of products consisting of or containing powdered alcohol in Illinois, punishable by a Class A misdemeanor for a first violation, and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent violations.
Powdered Caffeine Prohibition for Minors
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning regarding the dangers of consuming powdered pure caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure powered caffeine contains as much as 5,000 milligrams, or the rough equivalent of 25 cups of coffee.
Though not an outright ban, the sale or offering of powdered pure caffeine to anyone younger than age 18 is also prohibited in Illinois as of January 1, 2016.
Powdered Caffeine Control and Education Act (SB 9/PA 99-0050). Prohibits any person from selling, offering to sell, giving away, or providing free samples of powdered pure caffeine to any person under age 18 located in the State or to any person under age 18 making the purchase from within the State. Sets forth penalties for violations of the Act. Contains legislative findings. Defines required terms. Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include information regarding the use of powdered pure caffeine. Effective January 1, 2016.