The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Canada Safety Council has recently written to the federal government expressing its concern about a new device that enables people to "snort" spirits. The Alcohol Without Liquid (AWOL) vaporiser is being marketed to night clubs, bars and private party organizers as a way to consume alcohol without calories or a hangover. It was introduced in the UK in February and in the US this summer. The alcohol vapour bypasses the stomach and liver, and is absorbed through blood vessels in the nose or lungs. This creates a "hit" up to 10 times more potent than by drinking the same amount of alcohol. The user could have a blood alcohol concentration well below the legal limit, despite being far too drunk to drive. Medical experts believe that inhaling alcohol could cause serious brain damage. A legislator in Long Island, NY wants to ban the sale, purchase and use of the AWOL device in his county. Its potential to impair driving ability while still allowing the user to pass a breathalyser test is a serious safety concern. We have not been able to determine whether or not this device is available in Canada. Nonetheless, we believe that a proactive approach is needed to prevent the damage this device could cause in our country. We have asked the government to let us know whether it would fall under their area of regulation. And, if so, what action the government plans to take.
