Michigan’s craft distillers and retailers will be able to distribute and sell mixed spirits drinks more easily under bipartisan legislation signed into law today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a move she says will not only support small business in Michigan, but create jobs for the state as well.
Today, the governor signed Senate Bills 141, 142, 143 and 144, which will ultimately offer consumers more choices while growing the state’s economy.
Gov. Whitmer says, “This is a great example of bipartisan legislation that will create jobs and help our small businesses grow, and shows what we can do when we work together,” while adding, “Distillers are a growing industry in Michigan, and these bills make it easier for distillers to distribute their products. These bills will make canned mixed spirits more affordable and accessible, creating jobs and helping Michigan small businesses.”
Sen. Curt VanderWall from Ludington says, “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,” and adds, “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.”
Sen. Jeremy Moss from Southfield says, “We have innovative distillers here in Michigan who are making products that are increasing in popularity, but the law needed to catch up to allow this growing industry to succeed,” and notes, “I was proud to work on this bipartisan legislation that removes burdensome barriers to enter into the market while still safely regulating these products for consumers. Cheers to Gov. Whitmer for signing our bills into law.”
Canned cocktails represent a growing part of the spirits industry, Senate bills 141-through-144 will allow for an expanded array of canned cocktails to be sold in Michigan. Previously, canned cocktails were capped at 10-percent alcohol-by-volume. These bills will allow for private wholesalers—often distilleries based in Michigan—to distribute canned cocktails up to 13.5-percent 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 from Traverse City.
SB 142 was sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.
SB 143 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss from Southfield.
SB 144 was sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall of Ludington.
