Comptroller Pushes for Md. Ban on Alcohol Machines

March 28, 2007 - 11:02am

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Ever heard of an AWOL machine? No, it's not related to the military. AWOL is short for Alcohol Without Liquid, and Maryland's comptroller is urging lawmakers to support a ban on the machines that vaporize alcohol.

"This is strictly a way to get yourself intoxicated very, very quickly, and it's about 10 times more powerful than drinking," says Comptroller Peter Franchot.

A measure to ban the machines passed the Maryland House of Delegates earlier this month. Franchot held a news conference Tuesday to encourage the Senate to vote in favor of the bill.

"Let's stop this before we read some tragic headline about it actually causing some huge accident."

Similar legislation failed last year after lawmakers failed to approve it before the General Assembly ended.

Franchot said the machines have a strong appeal to youths, because the machines are marketed as a "low-carb and calorie free way to get drunk."

"This is strictly a way to get yourself intoxicated very, very quickly, and it's about 10 times more powerful than drinking," says Comptroller Peter Franchot.

A measure to ban the machines passed the Maryland House of Delegates earlier this month. Franchot held a news conference Tuesday to encourage the Senate to vote in favor of the bill.

"Let's stop this before we read some tragic headline about it actually causing some huge accident."

Similar legislation failed last year after lawmakers failed to approve it before the General Assembly ended.

Franchot said the machines have a strong appeal to youths, because the machines are marketed as a "low-carb and calorie free way to get drunk."

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