Ready-to-drink cocktail brands such as Saint Spritz (pictured) are toasting a new law passed by Pennsylvania legislators.
Later this summer, ready-to-drink cocktail lovers in Pennsylvania will be celebrating a new law introduced by the state's legislators. And come mid-September, they won't have to travel too far to pick up their celebratory RTD cocktails of choice.
The law, signed last week by the state's governor, Josh Shapiro, amends Pennsylvania's existing liquor codes that only allowed state-owned wine and liquor stores to sell the convenient and popular drinks.
“Since the base alcohol is liquor, Pennsylvania consumers can only purchase (ready-to-drink cocktails) at our State Stores. Unfortunately, only limited products are currently being offered, and those sales account for less than 2% of shelf space in stores,” State Senator Mike Regan — a sponsor of the legislation — commented last year. “As these products continue to grow, they are flooding into neighboring states, while Pennsylvania’s selection remains limited.”
But starting on September 15th, premixed canned cocktails will be available for sale in new retail outlets — more than 10,000 in total — giving consumers even more access to their favorite RTD brands at restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
“For the first time ever, Pennsylvania’s adult consumers can find their favorite spirits ready-to-drink cocktails alongside beer and wine products in grocery and convenience stores,” said Andy Deloney, Senior Vice President of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “There is no difference between the alcohol found in a spirits ready-to-drink cocktail and a beer or wine seltzer. We thank the legislature and Governor Shapiro for their support of Pennsylvania consumers and look forward to seeing the continued market growth of spirits RTDs in the commonwealth.”
There are still some restrictions, however, as the law defines ready-to-drink cocktails as premixed drinks made with 16 ounces or less of liquor and with an ABV no more than 12.5%. It also doesn't allow the sale of RTD cocktails after 11 p.m.
But those are minor details when considered in the grander scheme of things. Ready-to-drink cocktails are booming in popularity and now consumers in the nation's 5th largest state can have the same access that so many other states already afford, and we'll drink to that.
Cheers, Pennsylvania!
