It is my understanding that alcohol stoves are banned in US National Parks and forests because of the spill danger. You can't put it out and you can't easily see the flame.
That's true about the flames. It's hard to see unless it's dark. Alcohol stoves made me nervous for a long time, partially for this reason, and I haven't completely shaken that. (Probably why I'm still so attached to my Esbit stove.) They deserve respect, that's for sure.
EDIT: The Esbit stove and my new windscreen both work as pot holders for the alcohol stove, and after my tip-over last week, I intend to use one every time. (And I'm working on a more efficient stove for this reason.)