Measure heads to the House for consideration
AUSTIN – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today applauded the Texas Senate for passing SB 2225, a bill to allow spirits ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) to be sold in grocery and convenience stores where beer- and wine-based beverages with the same alcohol content are already being sold. The bill passed by a vote of 23-8 and now heads to the House for consideration.
If passed, the bill would be effective September 1, 2025, just in time for football season.
“Texans are one step closer to being able to pick up their favorite spirits ready-to-drink cocktails at grocery and convenience stores right next to their beer and wine,” said Corey Staniscia, DISCUS vice president of state government relations. “SB 2225 increases consumer convenience and choice by responsibly expanding market access for these low-alcohol spirits products. This consumer- and business-friendly measure has real momentum, and we urge the House to take up and pass this bill in support of market freedom and consumer convenience.
The proposed bill, introduced by Senator Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth), would allow spirits-based RTDs with no greater than 10% alcohol-by-volume (ABV) to be sold where similar beer and wine products are already sold in Texas, including grocery and convenience stores. A similar bill introduced by Representatives Cody Vasut (R-Angleton) and John Bucy III (D-Austin), HB 4077, is awaiting a vote in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee.
A grassroots campaign, Texans 4 Market Freedom, is underway in support of the bills and has generated nearly 2,500 letters from Texas consumers to lawmakers in Austin urging them to support allowing spirits RTDs in grocery and convenience stores. Consumers can still make their voice heard by taking action here.