New Md. laws include ban on grain alcohol

July 2, 2014
Zaina Kahuk
News Writer
Headlines

A ban on grain alcohol sales and new laws aimed at helping victims of crime are taking effect in Maryland as of July 1. The new laws include a ban on the sale of alcohol that is 190-proof and stronger. The law was backed up by many leaders of colleges who claim that grain alcohol provides a cheap way for students to get heavily intoxicated very quickly, before they realize how drunk they really are. Also, a bill banning Vaportinis, which make it possible to inhale alcohol through a glass straw, is also taking effect Wednesday. A Vaportini device has a glass sphere filled with alcohol and a candle beneath it. The heat evaporates the alcohol and the user inhales the vapors. The alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. Using such a device will now be considered a misdemeanor. Other laws will loosen the restrictions on alcohol. Lawmakers passed measures to make the county more attractive for microbreweries in Montgomery County and removes a restriction that requires microbreweries to be fully licensed restaurants before being able to sell their beer.