People would be banned in Connecticut from  knowingly purchasing or selling powdered alcohol under a bill co-sponsored by Danbury Senator Mike McLachlan.  The state House voted 143-2 Monday in favor of the legislation which contains fines ranging from $100 to $1,000. 

Eight states have similar laws.  The packets of powder can be added with water to create vodka, rum or other cocktails.

Bethel Representative Dane Carter says even though powdered alcohol has been approved by the FDA, he's concern about children obtaining the packets of powder, which resemble Kool-Aid or lemonade packets. 

The Senate previously approved the bill unanimously.

The bill, which moves to the governor, also allows farm wineries to distill brandy off-site that's made with Connecticut fruit. It also allows cider manufacturers to offer free on-premises samples of cider and apple wine to visitors. 

Other provisions require certain manufacturer permittees to offer nonalcoholic beverages, allows package stores to sell cigars and creates a farmers' market beer sales permit.  The hours a bowling establishment permittee may sell alcohol outside of its bar area would be expanded after 11:00 am, rather than after 2:00 pm.

The legislation also generally allows those age 16 and 17, rather than age 18, to be employed by businesses holding an alcoholic permit.