New Pa. bill allows spirits ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold alongside beer, wine

A bill allowing low alcohol-by-volume spirits ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold from certain retail outlets that already sell beer and wine products was passed Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Senate.

Senate Bill 688, sponsored by Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland/York, heads to the House for consideration. The bill amends the state Liquor Code to allow retailers such as grocery and convenience stores to sell ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages or canned cocktails.

Current law dictates that these products be restricted to state-run liquor stores because the base alcohol is liquor. A 2021 Public Opinion Strategies study conducted by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) showed consumers support greater access to these products, including in grocery and convenience stores, with 86% agreeing that spirits RTDs should be sold where beer and wine are available for purchase.

“This is a great first step in providing increased consumer convenience in Pennsylvania,”?Andy Deloney, senior vice president of state government relations at DISCUS said in a statement.?“This bill will create additional retail opportunities for consumers looking to purchase popular spirits ready-to-drink cocktails where they already get beer and wine products.”

According to a release, spirits RTDs are at a more than 10,000 store disadvantage in the commonwealth despite having the same alcohol content as beer- and wine-based RTDs.

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) applauded the passage of Senate Bill 688.

"We are thrilled with the passage of Senate Bill 688, which marks a significant step forward for consumer convenience and choice," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. "Allowing the sale of ready-to-drink beverages not only supports our local businesses but also caters to the evolving preferences of our community. This legislation is a win for both consumers and the economy, paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive marketplace.

"On behalf of Pennsylvania’s grocers and convenience stores, we urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to take swift action on this important legislation," added Baloga.

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