Bill > SB2225

This bill updates the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code to create a new legal classification called "ready-to-drink spirit beverages" (RTD spirits), which are defined as beverages containing a distilled spirit, a non-alcoholic beverage, and other flavoring components, with an alcohol content of up to 10% by volume and packaged in containers no larger than 3.75 liters. The bill comprehensively modifies existing alcohol regulations to incorporate RTD spirits, including provisions for their manufacture, distribution, sale, and taxation. Key changes include allowing distillers and rectifiers to produce and sell RTD spirits, permitting general and branch distributors to handle these beverages, enabling various retail permit holders (such as wine and malt beverage retailers) to sell RTD spirits, and establishing rules for their transportation and sampling. The bill also clarifies tax classifications, specifies hours of sale, and requires the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to develop implementing rules. These modifications essentially integrate RTD spirits into the existing alcoholic beverage regulatory framework, treating them similarly to other types of alcoholic beverages while creating a specific legal category for this product type. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the new regulations.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2225