Rhode Island Senate passes bill banning powdered alcohol

Senator Frank Lombardo III, (D-Johnston)
Senator Frank Lombardo III, (D-Johnston)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Senate has approved a bill that would ban the sale and use of powdered alcohol in the state.

Powdered alcohol is a substance that creates an alcoholic beverage when mixed with water. It can be taken as a capsule, mixed to make a drink or inhaled.

The Providence Journal reports that Democratic Sen. Frank Lombardo III of Johnston sponsored the bill, which the Senate approved Wednesday, as a way to curb underage drinking and prevent alcohol abuse.

Lombardo says the product targets youth while underage drinking is at an all-time high.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. If passed, Rhode Island would be among 28 states to regulate or ban powdered alcohol.

More from 630WPRO.COM