Canned Cocktails Getting Stronger and Cheaper in Michigan With Newly Signed Bills

While Governor Whitmer's visit to West Michigan on Monday had most of the attention focused on the state's back-to-work rules and a visit to Steelcase, another stop in Grand Rapids means that canned cocktails in Michigan will be cheaper and boozier.

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During a visit to Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids, Whitmer signed a package of bills that will let places like Long Road Distillers sell canned cocktails containing 13.5% alcohol, which's up from the prior legal limit of 10%. The taxes on such drinks will also be lowered to 30 cents a liter for mixed spirits. The prior tax was 48 cents.

In a release to the media the governor explained the importance of the legislation in helping a Covid hampered industry:

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. Distillers are a growing industry in Michigan, and these bill make it easier for distillers to distribute their products.

The bills were sponsored by both Michigan Republicans & Democrats:

• SB 141 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R - Traverse City
• SB 142 was sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks, D - Grand Rapids
• SB 143 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D - Southfield
• SB 144 was sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall, R - Ludington

All the bills can be seen on Michigan.gov.

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. -Michigan.gov