Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the status under the Licensing Act 2003 or the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 of imports from the United States or Europe of alcohol powders.

The Licensing Act 2003 put in place a robust regime for licensing the sale of alcohol. Section 191 of the Act defines alcohol as "spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spirituous liquor", and lists some exceptions. The status of products containing alcohol are considered on a case by case basis. Although the Act refers to liquids and this product is sold in solid form, it is intended to be drunk as a liquid.

The Government is not aware of powdered alcohol being marketed or made available to buy in England and Wales, although we are aware of its sale in other countries. In the event that there is a proposal to market powdered alcohol in England and Wales, the Home Office will make a formal assessment of its legal position.