The Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) is advocating for a statewide ban on powdered alcohol, known as “palcohol.” The MRA is working with legislators to prohibit the product that recently received approval from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax, & Trade Bureau.
According to the MRA, several states banned the sale of powdered alcohol and others are considering a ban. The MRA believes this is an important public safety issue. Restaurants would have the liability without any of the responsibility protocol if a patron were to bring the product in and mix their own drinks without the knowledge of the restaurant staff.
The MRA has heard from many operators expressing concerns ranging from underage consumption to the ease of consumers of all ages concealing the package when they enter a venue.