North Country Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is applauding a new law banning the sale of powdered alcohol in New York State.

Russell voted for the legislation in June and said the ban is "common sense." "Powdered alcohol lends itself so easily to abuse that outlawing its sale is the only responsible course of action," Russell said. "Because powdered alcohol can be easily concealed and the potential for improper mixing - purposefully or accidentally - is so great, it would be nearly impossible to protect against misuse and would put people in danger."

The ban follows 22 other states that have taken similar actions against powdered alcohol, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

Russell represents the 116th “River District,” which includes all St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River plus the towns of Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster, and part of Jefferson County.