NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9615
SPONSOR: Cymbrowitz TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in
relation to prohibiting the sale of any powdered or crystalline alcohol
product
PURPOSE: Prohibits the sale or offering for sale of concentrated
alcoholic beverages.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this law amends section 3 of the alcoholic beverage control
law by adding new subdivision 7-e to define the term "concentrated alco-
holic beverage." Section 2 amends Section 100 of the alcoholic beverage
control law by adding a new subdivision 1-a banning the sale of any
concentrated alcoholic beverages. Section 3 states the effective date is
the thirtieth day after the bill has become law.
JUSTIFICATION: Powdered alcohol or "concentrated alcoholic beverages"
are dangerous and completely unnecessary items. The alcohol is freeze
dried in order to make it more portable and then, of course, easier to
conceal. The makers of the freeze dried alcohol say that the product is
intended for hikers or backpackers. Apparently, powder would allow them
to more easily transport the product than a liquid. However, because it
is so easy to transport and hide it has the potential to be used ille-
gally by youths, and brought to venues that prohibit alcohol. In addi-
tion there is a larger chance of overdose due to improper mixing.
The FDA approved powdered alcohol on April 20th, 2014 but quickly
rescinded the approval stating that it has been made in 'error.' Alaska
has outlawed powdered alcohol and as of May 1, 2014 there is pending
legislation to ban powdered alcohol in Minnesota. This legislation will
ban this product in NYS should the FDA decide to change their decision
again to allow for the product to be marketed in the United States.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after
it shall have become law.
