The Texas Senate is currently reviewing Senate Bill 2225, a legislative proposal that aims to permit the sale of spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in grocery and convenience stores across the state.
The bill, introduced by Senator Kelly Hancock of Fort Worth, has already passed a committee vote and is now awaiting further deliberation by the full Senate.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing alcohol sales laws by allowing stores that are already licensed to sell beer and wine to also sell spirit-based RTDs.
These beverages, however, must contain no more than 17% alcohol by volume to qualify for sale in these outlets. If approved by the full Senate and signed into law, the new regulations would be enacted starting September 1.
Currently, Texas limits the sale of spirit-based RTDs to around 3,000 liquor stores across the state. Meanwhile, malt-based versions of these drinks are available in approximately 30,000 grocery and convenience stores.
Advocates for the bill argue that this discrepancy in availability is outdated and that the new legislation would offer more convenience to consumers while also supporting local businesses.
A survey has shown that 86% of consumers in Texas support the expansion of alcohol sales to include spirit-based RTDs in grocery and convenience stores.
Senator Hancock has emphasized that the bill is designed to provide Texans with more choices while maintaining strict regulations to ensure responsible sales.