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# Washington Senate Panel OKs Tax Cut for Spirits RtDs
- URL: https://bevnews.net/washington-senate-panel-oks-tax-cut-for-spirits-rtds/
- Published: 2023-02-17T00:40:25.000Z
- Updated: 2023-02-17T00:40:25.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Legislation

The Washington State Senate Labor & Commerece Committee unanimously approved a bill to reduce the tax burden of spirits ready to drink cocktails. 

Currently, spirits-based RTDs are taxed 55 times higher than malt-/beer-based seltzers despite having the same or similar alcohol content.

“Ready-to-drink cocktails are becoming increasingly popular, and this legislation will help remedy the excessive and discriminatory tax on these products,” said **Adam Smith**, vp-state government relations at the **Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.**  “This bill helps Washington meet the growing consumer demand for spirits RTD products by creating a more level playing field for those entering the market, including Washington craft distillers. Spirits RTDs often contain the same or lower amounts of alcohol than beer- and wine-based beverages, so there is no reason to treat them differently.