A poll conducted by the University of Michigan (UM) has revealed that the majority of adults living in the United States are in favor of banning powdered alcohol due to the potential misuse of the product by underage drinkers.
This is by no means a new opinion either. Even though powdered alcohol was approved by United States regulators just a few months ago, in March, some of the states have already banned it within their borders. And all this happened before the product even hit shelves as powdered alcohol is currently set to start selling sometime this summer.
Dr. Matthew Davis, director of the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, gave a statement explaining what the purpose of the survey was: “Given that several states are considering legislation about powdered alcohol, our poll looked at what the public thinks about this new product”.
Powdered alcohol instantly creates a cocktail when mixed with six (6) ounces of water, is being sold in pouches, and comes in a variety of flavors such as vodka, rum and multiple mixed drinks. The product makers designed the product to help those who enjoy camping outdoors or traveling pack lighter bags.
Dr. Davis stresses that most adults, including both parents and health care providers, are highly worried about how teens might use these products and believe it will all lead to troublesome circumstances. Most of all they are worried about the effects powdered alcohol will have on underage drinkers as they are likely to abuse the product.
The poll was released earlier this week, on Monday (June 15, 2015), and the results of the poll showed that 60 percent (60%) of participating adults fully support a complete ban of powdered alcohol in their respective states, while 84 percent (84%) of participating adults are in favor of banning online sales of such products.
What’s even more noticeable is that 85 percent (85%) of participating adults would very much like to ban ads and marketing for powdered alcohol on social media platforms, as those websites are dominated by under age youth.
When it comes to specific concerns, 90 percent (90%) of participating adults are worried that underage drinkers will misuse powdered alcohol, 85 percent (85%) of participating adults are worried that powdered alcohol will be responsible fir an increase the number of underage drinkers, 81 percent (81%) of participating adults are worried that powdered alcohol will make it a lot easier for underage youth to buy alcohol.
Dr. Davis says the poll was important as it shinned a light on public concerns while lawmakers across the country are considering restricting or banning the use of powdered alcohol in their respective states.
Previous studies have shown that the number of underage drinkers has dropped significantly in United States between the years of 2002 and 2013, however alcohol still remains the main vice of teens across the country.
Image Source: vice.com
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