Creator Defends Palcohol In YouTube Video; Many Concerned Over Product's Potential Youth Appeal
SAN RAFAEL (KCBS)— We know by now that Palcohol is alcohol in powdered form that comes in packets, but that has some local organizations concerned about its appeal to young people. This week, the substance gained federal approval and it should be available by this summer.
When you mix the powder with water, it makes drinks like mojitos and lemon drops. Michael Scippa from the San Rafael-based group Alcohol Justice says the product will be particularly attractive to youth.
"It's easily concealed. It comes in bright packets with fruity, sweet flavors, he said. The local Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter is encouraging conversations with teens about the new form of alcohol. Powdered alcohol is already banned in several states.
Watch Palcohol's creator defend his product:
In a YouTube video posted by Palcohol creator, Mark Phillips, he attempts to dispel the negative myths connected to his product and plays up what he says are its benefits. He says those against Palcohol are proposing prohibition-like measures.
While the container itself that has the ability to stand on its own and may resemble a Capri Sun, but with adult contents, Phillips argues of the environmental benefits, claiming the packaging would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds.
He addresses other concerns saying a pouch's worth of the substance wouldn't be a concentrated and more potent form, but about equivalent to a shot of liqueur.
For those who think snorting is a good idea; Phillips says that would be way too painful. And as far as sneaking it into schools, theaters and other venues; he says that's a waste of time and that you can conceal more alcohol in its liquid form since a pouch of Palcohol is only about worth one shot.
In addition, he said doctors and nurses are interested in using powered alcohol as an antiseptic and that hotels in Hawaii are interested in using it to save money on shipping bottles from the mainland.