Wisconsin lawmakers could ban powdered alcohol before it even hits store shelves

MADISON (AP) — A bipartisan bill may ban powdered alcohol before the product even hits shelves in Wisconsin.

Following the lead of eight other states, Sen. Tim Carpenter, a Democrat from Milwaukee, said he hopes to ban Palcohol before it becomes available this spring. Carpenter says he fears people would abuse the product by snorting it or sneaking it into events.

Mark Phillips, owner of the Arizona-based company Palcohol, said he created the product to avoid lugging liquor bottles on hiking trips. The product's website says 1-ounce powder packets can be mixed with water to create a shot of liquor or a cocktail.

The Senate committee is expected to hold a hearing on the bill this month.