Texas lawmakers push to expand alcohol sales — What could change?
Texas lawmakers push to expand alcohol sales — What could change?
Texas lawmakers push to expand alcohol sales — What could change?
Texas lawmakers propose bills to allow spirits-based cocktails in grocery stores.
Author: Jaime E. Galvan
Published: 10:21 AM CDT March 12, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — 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.
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.
- SB 2225 and HB 4077 would allow spirits-based RTDs to be sold in grocery and convenience stores.
- 86% of surveyed consumers support expanding where RTDs can be sold.
- The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. estimates $160 million in new tax revenue from expanded RTD sales.
“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.”
How this bill could impact consumers & businesses
Supporters of the legislation argue that expanding RTD sales will enhance consumer choice, support thousands of Texas businesses, and generate additional state revenue. According to an analysis by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., expanding access could generate approximately $160 million in new state tax revenue over the next three to five years.
“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.
How this bill could impact Texas businesses
“This is a pro-business bill and a logical step that would help bring decades-old alcohol laws in line with modern-day products,” Bucy said. "That’s why there’s a bipartisan push to get this over the finish line.”
The legislation is backed by Texans for Market Freedom, a coalition of consumer and business organizations, including the Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA), Texas Retailers Association (TRA), Consumer Choice Coalition (CCC), and the 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,” 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.