Apparently inhaling your booze is possible. In fact, an Alcohol Without Liquid device, known as AWOL, is offered over the Internet by a North Carolina company as a "fun new legal way to enjoy alcohol." The "legal" part soon may be iffy; South Carolina lawmakers have introduced legislation to ban the device in the state.

Punishment for possession of an AWOL device would range from a $300 fine for a first offense to a $3,000 fine or two years in prison for a third offense. South Carolina would follow in the footsteps of 20 other states that already have banned the device.

"If you have an easy way to get drunk and get drunk quickly, it's probably not in the public's best interest," said state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden.

We agree that this device is extremely dangerous in a number of ways. For one, it appears to be an easy way to introduce a lethal dose of alcohol to one's system. For another, it's sole purpose is to induce fast intoxication, which will not improve one's driving skills.

We also would ask, what's the point? A large part of what people enjoy about moderate drinking is ... well, the drinking. It tastes good; it enhances food; it aids conviviality.

How could you get the same experience from inhaling alcohol? It would be like eating steak from a tube.

Ban the AWOL device because it is dangerous but also because it is dumb.

IN SUMMARY
State lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban device that enables people to inhale alcohol.