Senate Gives Final Approval to Ban on Alcohol Inhalation Machines

The State Senate has given final approval to a measure designed to stop a dangerous new fad in its tracks—Senate Bill 663 would make it illegal for anyone to sell, buy, furnish, manufacture or possess an alcohol inhalation device.

Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman is author of SB 663. He said he wrote the bill after members of law enforcement spoke with him about the machines being used in bars and clubs in other parts of the country. Nichols said wanted to make sure the trend didn’t make its way into Oklahoma.

“We’re not talking about medical devices, and we’ve included language to ensure those things are protected. We’re talking about devices that let people go to a bar and literally inhale alcohol. The problem is that these devices get alcohol into a person’s system so fast, they can succumb to alcohol poisoning before they even know it’s happening,” Nichols said.

The legislation includes penalties of a fine of up to $5,000 and the permanent revocation of a license to sell alcohol.

“The penalties are tough because we want this law to act as a deterrent against these devices—we haven’t seen them yet in Oklahoma and that’s the way we want to keep it,”

SB 663 now moves to the House for a final vote then goes to Gov. Brad Henry for further consideration.