Indiana bill banning powdered alcohol sent to Pence

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A proposal to ban powdered alcohol in Indiana is heading to Gov. Mike Pence’s desk for approval.

Senate members approved a bill Wednesday that would make it illegal to possess, purchase, sell or use powdered alcohol in Indiana. It also requires further study on the issue this summer.

A powdered form of alcohol called Palcohol received federal approval in March and can be mixed with any liquid to create an alcoholic drink. It comes in four different flavors: rum, vodka, cosmopolitan and margarita.

Palcohol’s creator says it’s a lightweight alternative for consumers who want to enjoy alcoholic drinks and avoid carrying around heavy bottles, but lawmakers argue that it encourages underage drinking and could easily be concealed.

Five states including Alaska, Louisiana and Virginia have already banned the product.