The Queensland Government has become the latest in Australia to ban powdered alcohol, following similar moves in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
The Amendment Regulation highlights powdered alcohol as an “undesirable liquor product” and in banning the products from being sold or supplied in Queensland, the Government highlighted concerns about how it could be misused and abused, particularly by youths.
The Government said: “Having undertaken the required consultation, the Minister is of the opinion powdered and crystalline alcohol products, such as Palcohol, are likely to be attractive to minors or young people due to the novelty of the product and its ability to be concealed (e.g. taken into events or areas where alcohol is prohibited).
“Further, in view of concerns raised about the potential for powdered alcohol to be misused or abused (e.g. drink spiking, mixed with energy drinks or other types of alcohol, used in excess of the recommended amount, and snorted or ingested in powder form), the Minister is of the opinion it is in the public interest to declare liquor in powdered or crystal form (e.g. Palcohol), and including, for example, powder contained in a capsule or in the form of a tablet, to be an undesirable liquor product.”
The Government said that it had contacted the manufacturer of Palcohol, Lipsmark LLC for consultation on the ban, but that it did not respond to correspondence on the matter. The Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) and Clubs Queensland (CQ) were consulted and supported the ban.
TheShout has contacted both the QHA and CQ for comment on this ban and why it supported the Government’s move but neither organisation responded in time for publication.