Indiana Package Stores Support Ban on Sales of Spice

State Association Challenges Retailers to Remove-Destroy any Stock

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR) voted to support legislation banning the sale of Spice, a dangerous supplement that is not licensed or regulated and has been linked to fatalities in Indiana and across the nation.

"Though there are no federal or state laws regulating Spice, we believe it should be banned from store shelves for all retailers and voluntarily removed by any retailer selling it," said Brad Rider, chairman of the association's board.

Spice, an herb laced with a compound said to be 10 times more powerful than marijuana, is sold under various brand names, including K2.

Moving aggressively, the state association also randomly sampled its members and the few that were selling Spice will now discontinue all sales in their communities.

"We can only advise our members on best practices," said Rider. "But we can take the lead in educating all retailers about this potentially harmful product."

Rider, whose company United Package Liquors owns and operates package stores in Indiana and Kentucky, said his company has never sold the product.

The association is now challenging other Indiana retailers, tobacco outlets, convenience stores and gas stations to discontinue sales and remove, return or destroy supplies.

The IABR board voted this month to support lawmakers, including Ron Alting and John Barnes, who have publicly stated they will be introducing bills to ban the substance and create penalties for both users and sellers.

Rider, who serves on an advisory legislative committee to Drug Free Marion County, said the association voted unanimously to support any new regulations — whether at the state or local level.

Though Spice is an unregulated product that made its way to store shelves around the country, Rider said the association's partnership with Project RAD (Responsible Alcohol Distribution) and state and community groups brought this issue to the forefront.

"Thanks to our partners in RAD, we're on top of the situation and have been keeping our package store members informed of the potential dangers to their customers," Rider said.

According to recent news reports, Boone, Knox , Vigo, and Daviess counties have banned the sale of Spice. Other communities are quickly following suit. Smoking Spice has been linked to dangerous blood pressure levels, seizures and death.

About the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers is a statewide membership group for package store owners licensed and regulated by the state of Indiana. Founded in 1936, the association's mission is to protect, promote and improve the package store industry in Indiana. The association is also a partner with Project RAD (Responsible Alcohol Distribution). For more information, visit www.projectRAD.com

SOURCE Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers