Senate Passes Ban Of 190-Proof Alcohol Products

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's Senate has passed a measure to ban "extreme-strength" alcoholic beverages, 190-proof or higher, from stores.

The bill, which passed 37-10 on Wednesday, would halt sales of grain alcohol brands like Everclear, Gem Clear and Golden Grain, though Everclear's 150-proof version would remain legal.

A proof of 190 translates to 95 percent alcohol content. That's more than most rubbing alcohol.

Many of Maryland's college presidents requested the ban to help curb student drinking problems. Frostburg State University President Jonathan Gibralter says when grain alcohol is mixed with drinks like fruit punch or lemonade it hardly affects the flavor, making it easy to drink too much.

Some sexual assault advocates consider it a date-rape drug.

Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania have already banned 190-proof products.

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