Today, Governor Whitmer
signed Senate Bill 141, Senate Bill 142, Senate Bill 143, and Senate Bill 144, which will make it easier for distillers and retailers to distribute and sell mixed spirit drinks, offering consumers more choices and growing our economy.
“Ready-to-drink cocktails have experienced massive growth in the marketplace over the last few years and this legislation is a critical piece in ensuring that these products are able to compete on a level playing field,” Sen. VanderWall said. “These bills help our local distillers by removing tax barriers and giving them the ability to get their products in front of consumers easily and quickly.”
Canned cocktails represent a growing part of the spirits industry, and SB 141-144 will allow for an expanded array of canned cocktails to be sold in Michigan. Previously, canned cocktails were capped at 10% alcohol by volume. These bills will allow for private wholesalers—often distilleries based in Michigan—to distribute canned cocktails up to 13.5% alcohol-by-volume. Taken together, the bills will cut red tape, support spirit manufacturers, and create good-paying jobs in Michigan.
SB 141 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R – Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
SB 142 was sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks, D - Grand Rapids, and a copy can be found here.
SB 143 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D – Southfield, and a copy can be found here.
SB 144 was sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall, R - Ludington, and a copy of SB 144 can be found here.
