US: Kentucky bans alcohol vaporizers

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 17 April 2008

Alcohol vaporisers have been banned across the state of Kentucky in the US.

Governor Steve Beshear signed a bill on Tuesday (15 April) prohibiting the sale, purchase or use of devices that produce alcohol as fumes for inhalation. The law is expected to take effect from July.

Beshear said: "These devices have generated considerable concern from the law-enforcement and medical communities due to the increased potential for extreme alcohol impairment or consuming alcohol in deadly concentrations."

National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws executive director Sherry Green confirmed that Kentucky now joins over 20 other states that have instituted similar bans.

Kentucky Distillers' Association president Eric Gregory said that the spirits industry supported the legislation, adding: "We wanted to make sure that they're banned in Kentucky before they become the problem that they're becoming elsewhere."

Sectors: Spirits