Pennsylvania bill backs spirit-based RTDs
The US state of Pennsylvania has approved a bill that allows spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to be sold in the same outlets as beer and wine products.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro approved senate bill 688, which allows RTD cocktails up to 12.5% ABV to be sold by retailers.
“Pennsylvania’s adult consumers deserve the added convenience of buying their favourite spirits RTD cocktails where they already get similar beer and wine products,” said Andy Deloney, senior vice-president of state government relations at trade body Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus).
“The legislature recognises that these products – which share the same alcohol content as beer and wine seltzers – are no different than products already being sold in grocery and convenience stores. SB 688 removes the unnecessary prohibition of spirits RTD cocktail sales from additional retail outlets.”
A survey by Discus found that consumers wanted greater access to spirits-based RTDs, including at grocery and convenience stores, with 86% agreeing that these products should be sold where beer and wine are available to buy.
Discus noted that despite having the same alcohol content as their beer and wine counterparts, spirit-based RTDs faced a more than 10,000-store disadvantage.
In addition, Shapiro has signed house bill 829, which will see the creation of a Distilled Spirits Promotion Board, which will provide funding for up to US$1 million per year.
In January last year, Discus expressed disappointment at a price hike for more than 3,500 brands sold by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
North Carolina also recently passed a bill that allows for the permanent sale of cocktails to-go, reduces taxes on RTD cocktails, and permits alcohol to be sold on holidays.
A similar bill allowing spirits-based RTDs to be sold was also approved in the US state of California last year.
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