Many spirits-based ready-to-drink products have the same or lower alcohol by volume than beer and wine, but grocery and convenience stores need a special expensive license to carry the spirits-based products.   The California Senate Government Organization Committee passed a measure to correct this.  

The vote came after Adam Smith, vp-state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. testified before the committee.  Smith noted increased consumer demand for these low ABV products.  He said there was no reason to differentiate between spirits, beer and wine, as science shows alcohol is alcohol.

A recent DISCUS survey found 86% of adult consumers want to purchase spirits RTDs where they already buy beer and wine RTDs.