Boozy ‘balloon shots’ raise fears among health experts

It’s popular in US and UK bars and clubs to get partygoers drunk quickly, but a new trend has health experts concerned, saying the “appalling” concept should be banned if it hits Australia.

Health fears have been raised over a new trend allowing drinkers to inhale alcohol from balloons so they can get drunk in a rush.

The Alcohol Mist machines are being pushed to Australian distributors after becoming popular in US and UK bars, where health groups have raised strong concerns.

Paying about $9 per “balloon shot”, club-goers can inhale a potent vodka mist, which enters the bloodstream quicker than average booze and may pass straight to the brain.

Despite Australia’s strict ­liquor laws, the US company behind the product, Vapshot, confirmed to the Sunday Herald Sun it had been contacted by a “number of people and companies interested in becoming its exclusive distributor for Australia”.

Vapshot’s mini alcohol vaporising system. Picture: Youtube

Alcohol mist balloons. Picture: Supplied

The company claims its Alcohol Mist products and machines can be directly sold into Australia, with a basic model starting at $7500 and able to generate up to 1500 balloon shots.

Its website boasts people get a “great buzz” and a lower chance of a hangover, with the promise its dispensing process didn’t involve vaping.

But Melbourne University alcohol and drug policy expert Associate Professor John Fitzgerald warned consumers against using the “dangerous” products.

“The lungs can deliver very sharp doses of whatever you inhale directly to the brain, which is inherently very dangerous,” Assoc Prof Fitzgerald said.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Michael Thorn said inhaling alcohol was a “stupid” and “appalling” concept.

“It’s likely the concentrations of the alcohol being inhaled will most likely be at a high level and I think the mainstream alcohol industry would also be appalled at this concept,” Mr Thorn said.

“These products should not be allowed into Australia and the state and federal regulators should be moving to prevent its sale and use.

“If this comes into Australia we will be the first to make complaints and we’ll be asking that this product be banned.”

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A Department of Health spokesman said no complaints had been received relating to the product.

He said the National Alcohol Strategy was in its final stages of development and would provide a framework for directing national and local action to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms.

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