Missouri House advances bill to restrict powdered alcohol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill to regulate powdered alcohol the same as other alcoholic drinks.

The bill initially was approved Wednesday by a voice vote. It would regulate a powder that can be added to water much like Kool-Aid to create an alcoholic drink. It needs another vote in the House before it goes to the Senate.

Supporters say it would keep the powder out of the hands of minors, who may overdose on the substance. The bill would make the substance subject to the same rules as beer, wine and liquor.

Last year the Missouri Legislature tried and failed to ban powdered alcohol altogether, as many states did over concerns about safety in 2015 before the substance hit store shelves.