LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – 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.
“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,” Governor Whitmer said. “Distillers are a growing industry in Michigan, and these bill 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.”
Governor Whitmer signs legislation regarding Michigan distilleries. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer).
Whitmer says 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 new jobs in Michigan, Whitmer said.
“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,” Sen. Jeremy Moss said in a statement. “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.”
- 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.
FURTHER READING:
A local Kalamazoo distillery, Green Door Distilling Co., recently took home awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. More on that story can be found here.
