Texas retailers could soon stock spirits-based RTDs
The Senate is considering a bill to allow spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to be sold in the same stores as their beer and wine counterparts in Texas.
Last week, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee approved the SB 2255 bill. It is now being considered by the full Senate.
SB 2255 allows spirits-based RTDs to be sold in grocery and convenience stores where RTDs made with beer and wine, and with the same alcohol content (17% ABV and under), are available for purchase.
If passed, the bill would be effective from 1 September 2025.
Trade body the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) welcomed the move and called on the Senate to finalise the bill.
“Texans’ favourite spirits ready-to-drink cocktails could be in grocery and convenience stores alongside beer and wine just in time for football season this year,” said Corey Staniscia, Discus vice-president of state government relations.
“The legislature has taken another step in moving forward this consumer- and business-friendly measure that adds additional market access for adult spirits consumers in Texas.
“We urge the Senate to pass SB 2225 to increase consumer convenience and keep the government out of picking winners and losers in the marketplace.”
A grassroots campaign, Texans 4 Market Freedom, was launched in support of the bills. Nearly 2,000 letters from Texan consumers were sent to lawmakers in Austin, urging them to support the sale of spirits-based RTDs in grocery and convenience stores.
According to the Texans 4 Market Freedom website, Texas is one of only around 20 states where spirits-based RTDs cannot be purchased in gas stations, or convenience and grocery stores.
It noted that in Texas, 3,200 stores can sell spirits-based RTDs, compared with more than 30,000 retailers that have malt- and wine-based RTDs available.
Alabama passes RTD bill
Discus also praised the recent passage of HB 521 and SB 268, which allow RTDs made with low-alcohol ‘spirits’ to be sold alongside beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores in Alabama.
“Committee passage of these bills is a great first step in providing increased consumer convenience in Alabama,” said Staniscia. “These bills will allow popular spirits ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold where consumers already get beer and wine products.
“We urge each chamber to take up and pass these common-sense solutions to benefit Alabama consumers and local businesses.”
Under current Alabama law, beer is allowed to be sold in grocery and convenience stores along with wine and malt-based canned cocktails, but spirits-based RTDs are required to be sold at a liquor store despite having the same or similar alcohol content.
A recent survey by Discus found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Alabama adults support allowing licensed retailers to sell spirits-based RTDs at the same locations as beer, wine and malt-based canned cocktails. This figure increased to nearly three-quarters (74%) as consumers learned more about the issue and the similar alcohol content of the RTD beverages.
A report by Discus in 2022 found that 86% of US consumers believe spirits-based RTDs should be more widely available, including in bars, convenience stores, and entertainment venues.
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