Officials have concerns about new powdered alcohol product

Palcohol is alcohol in the form of powder. It was approved by the federal government in April. But Det. Tom O’Sullivan at the Boone County Sheriff’s Department believes the product will only give minors easier access to alcohol.

Not only that, he said since the packaging is not like your typical can or glass of alcohol. The pouch makes it harder for people to detect.

One pouch of Palcohol is equivalent to one shot of vodka.

The powder comes in a pouch that is about the size of a Capri Sun, which kids commonly drink. The issue Det. O’Sullivan has with this is that it can be poured into a water bottle.

“My concern is kids getting a hold of it… It makes it concealable.”

O’Sullivan said they have enough issues with liquid alcohol.

Although Palcohol is not on shelves yet, the creator of the new form of alcohol said it should be available for sale as early as spring of 2015.

Some skeptics of the product claim it could be used negatively.

They said it will make it easier to get drunk by snorting, sneaking it into places where alcohol is banned, spiking people’s drinks and letting kids get a hold of it.

“The fact of the matter is, it’s going to be underage kids that are going to want to try the newest, latest gimmick,” said O’Sullivan.

Five states have already banned the product before it has even hit the shelves.