What’s the Issue?
Outdated Texas laws limit YOU from buying spirits ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, despite the fact that many of these products have equal or lower amounts of alcohol than other malt- or wine-based RTD beverages.
Consumers have had enough. A recent survey found an overwhelming majority of consumers support greater access to these products, including in grocery and convenience stores, with 86 percent agreeing that spirits RTDs should be sold where similar products are available.
Why would they do that?
Texas is one of only about 20 states where you can’t buy spirits RTDs in gas stations, or convenience and grocery stores. That means that you can only buy them in 1 out of 10 stores that sell alcohol in Texas. These laws date back to Prohibition – isn’t it time we put these old laws in the past?
The reality is that alcohol is alcohol, and there is no scientific, public safety or public policy basis to differentiate between alcohol beverages made from malt, sugar, wine or spirits.
TEXANS have had ENOUGH!
A recent survey found 86% of people AGREE, spirits RTDs should be sold in the same places other RTD products are sold.
How do outdated state alcohol laws hurt Texas small businesses?
Texas is home to more than 160 craft distilleries that are giving back to our communities through jobs and taxes, and as places to gather and enjoy time together. But outdated alcohol access laws are hurting our local small businesses by making it harder for them to compete in an already unfair market.
Texas distilled spirits industry
Allowing Texas retailers to sell spirits RTDs in grocery and convenience stores would support our local craft distillers, bolster our hospitality industry and generate additional excise tax revenue for Texas.
What Is The Solution?
It’s time for Texas lawmakers to can our state’s outdated beverage laws and expand consumer access to spirits RTDs.
Expanding access in Texas will:
- Increase consumer convenience and choice
- Support our state’s 160 craft distilleries
- Support our state’s grocery and convenience stores
- Grow state excise tax revenue
- Enhance Texas’ tourism and hospitality industry
Our Mission
Texans for Market Freedom is a grassroots coalition of local businesses and organizations that share a common goal of modernizing Texas’ outdated alcohol laws. Expanding market access for spirits RTDs will mean greater convenience and freedom of choice for our Texas consumers, and a more level playing field for our local businesses.
About Us
Texans for Market Freedom was founded in 2022 to advocate for the modernization of Texas’ outdated alcohol beverage access laws. The effort is led by the Texas Food & Fuel Association and supported by the distilled spirits industry.
Coalition
Organizations from across Texas have come together to support updates to Texas alcohol beverage laws that will expand consumer access to spirits RTDs.
