Inslee signs bill banning powdered alcohol in state



OLYMPIA (AP) — Washington state is the latest to ban powdered alcohol.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure into law Thursday that bans the product for all but research purposes.

Arizona-based Lipsmark LLC won federal approval March 10 to begin selling Palcohol, a pouch of powder that, when added with water, results in vodka, rum, or three types of cocktails and contains the alcohol content of a standard mixed drink.

Washington joins at least seven other states that have prohibited powdered alcohol, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

More than two dozen other states have introduced bills this year to ban powdered alcohol, which was first patented in 1972 by General Foods but is not expected to be sold until later this year.