The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently approved a powdered alcohol product called Palcohol. Add water, and you get a rum or vodka drink.
But it can't be sold in Michigan without the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
"In addition to our mission of making sure that alcoholic beverage products are readily available to customers in the State of Michigan, we must consider public safety components and whether or not this product would have a negative impact on public safety," said Andrew Deloney, chairman of the MLCC.
Mark Phillips, Palcohol's creator, said as an avid hiker and camper, "I thought there must be a better way to carry alcohol than through liquid, and that gave me the idea for powdered alcohol."
Phillips said a few state legislatures have banned powdered alcohol and he thinks the arguments against the product are misguided.
Phillips said he aims to start selling Palcohol this summer. But he hasn't decided if Michigan will be among the first states where he seeks approval. Michigan does not have legislation banning the sale of powdered alcohol.
– Virginia Gordan, Michigan Radio Newsroom
