Alabama Senator Bobby Singleton has reintroduced a bill that would allow ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits to be sold alongside beer and wine in grocery stores and convenience stores. This new version includes a key compromise: a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) cap of 8%, down from the 12.5% proposed in the previous bill.
This change addresses concerns raised by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and a task force that studied the issue. Both groups had expressed worries about the potential for over-consumption and abuse due to the higher ABV and the sweet taste of many RTD beverages.
Advocates for the bill, including representatives from the retail industry, believe the 8% ABV cap provides a reasonable compromise that aligns with the majority of RTD products currently on the market. Additionally, the bill reduces the proposed tax on RTD spirits from $0.98 to $0.68 per 12 ounces, aiming to keep Alabama competitive with neighboring states.
While the bill allows the ABC Board to purchase RTD spirits directly from manufacturers for their stores, private retailers would still need to go through wholesalers. This provision has been included to address concerns raised by the ABC Board.
The bill’s advocates are optimistic that the compromises will satisfy initial critics and lead to wider availability of RTD spirits for consumers. They believe the bill strikes a balance between addressing concerns and providing consumers with greater access to these popular products.
ABC Board Administrator Curtis Stewart is scheduled to meet with retail industry representatives to discuss the bill’s viability. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine the bill’s chances of success in the Alabama legislature.
