PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island has become the latest state to ban the sale of powdered alcohol.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation this week that makes it a crime to possess, purchase or sell alcohol powder. Violators face a fine of up to $1,000.
More than half of states have already banned molecularly encapsulated alcohol, which when mixed with water becomes an alcoholic drink.
The ban doesn’t apply to the use of powdered alcohol for research purposes.
State Rep. Lauren Carson introduced the bill in the House.
The Newport Democrat says putting alcohol in the same form as Kool-Aid sends the wrong message to kids.
Democratic Sen. Frank Lombardo, of Johnston, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Raimondo signed the bill Tuesday after it passed through the General Assembly last week.
