Commonsense bills will enhance consumer choice, support tens of thousands of Texas businesses and increase state revenues
Texans for Market Freedom, a coalition working to modernize Texas’ outdated alcohol beverage laws, welcomed the introduction of SB 2225 by Texas Senator Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth) which would allow spirits ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) to be sold in grocery and convenience stores alongside beer- and wine-based beverages that have similar alcohol content.
“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,” said Sen. Hancock. “I look forward to continuing to work on legislation that keeps free market principles at the core of Texas’ economic success.”
A similar bill, HB 4077, was introduced on March 7 by Representatives Cody Vasut (R-Angleton) and John Bucy III (D-Austin).
“This is a commonsense bill that will expand competition and boost small businesses in Texas,” said Rep. Vasut. “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.”
Expanding access for spirits RTDs would generate approximately $160 million in new state tax revenue in the first 3-5 years according to an analysis by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. Eighty-six percent of consumers agree that spirits RTDs should be sold where beer and wine are, including in grocery and convenience stores, according to survey data.
“This is a pro-business bill and a logical step that would help bring decades-old alcohol laws in line with modern-day products,” said Rep. Bucy. “That’s why there’s a bipartisan push to get this over the finish line.”
The Texans for Market Freedom coalition is comprised of consumer- and business-focused organizations including the Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA), Texas Retailers Association (TRA), Consumer Choice Coalition (CCC) and Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS).
“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,” said the coalition. “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.”
Consumers can contact their legislators in support of the bills at Texans4MarketFreedom.org.
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Texas Food and Fuel Association
The Texas Food & Fuel Association represents the retail and wholesale sectors of the oil and gas industry in Texas. Based in Austin, the association works to build consensus among industry professionals, local municipalities, state and federal governing agencies, elected officials, and others who have a vested interest in the petroleum marketing and convenience retail industries.
Texas Retailers Association
The Texas Retailers Association (TRA) represents companies and retail professionals who make up one of the world’s largest economies and provides them a voice in Austin and Washington, D.C. Through TRA’s various initiatives, they aim to improve the lives of not just retailers, but customers as well.
Consumer Choice Coalition
The Consumer Choice Coalition is a partnership of businesses and associations committed to modernizing Texas’ alcohol regulations to reflect a 21st century consumer while operating within Texas’ three-tier system. We support free market concepts that will foster a more robust and innovative alcohol industry in Texas at every tier to provide consumers more choice, convenience, and lower prices, while protecting public safety.
Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels.