Texas lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s alcohol laws by allowing spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold in grocery and convenience stores alongside beer and wine. RTD cocktails are cocktails that have been pre-batched and bottled or canned. The benefits of having such a drink is that the customer does not need to worry about balance, technique or having multiple ingredients at home. The idea is that the customer will open the cocktail and simply pour and serve.
Senate Bill 2225, filed by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth), and House Bill 4077, introduced by Reps. Cody Vasut (R-Angleton) and John Bucy III (D-Austin), seek to eliminate existing restrictions that prevent spirits-based RTDs from being sold where beer- and wine-based beverages of similar alcohol content are already available.
“As industries innovate and new products become staples in the marketplace, it only makes sense for us to take a look at ways government can reduce regulatory red tape,” Hancock said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work on legislation that keeps free market principles at the core of Texas’ economic success.”
“This is a commonsense bill that will expand competition and boost small businesses in Texas,” Vasut said. “The Lone Star State should be leading on this issue. This bill will put Texas on par with other states that already permit low alcohol-by-volume ready-to-drink sales in grocery and convenience stores.” A survey cited by the bill’s supporters indicates that 86% of consumers favor allowing spirits RTDs to be sold in the same locations as beer and wine.
“Spirits RTDs continue to gain in popularity, and states all across the U.S. are taking a look at beverage laws to ensure consumers of these products are being treated fairly,” the coalition said in a statement. “Expanding sales to convenience and grocery stores is a responsible move that will drive business growth and give Texans greater access to the products they enjoy. Texas consumers are getting left behind, and it’s time to modernize our laws to meet demand and support the Texas economy.” The proposed bills now await consideration in the Texas Legislature.
