ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A ban on grain alcohol sales and new laws aimed at helping victims of crime and their family members are taking effect in Maryland.

The new laws, which go on the books Tuesday, include a ban on the sale of alcohol that is 190-proof and stronger. A proof of 190 translates to 95 percent alcohol content. The law had strong backing from leaders of colleges, who said grain alcohol provides a cheap way for students to get heavily intoxicated very quickly before they know what hits them.