The spirits-based RTD segment has received a Vegas-size fillip thanks to a local legislation change in the US.
In a statement this week, trade association the Distilled Spirits Council of the US detailed the signing of “an ordinance” by legislators in Nevada’s Clark County. The county, which is home to Las Vegas, now permits the sale of spirits-based RTDs in its on-premise venues.
According to DISCUS, the move brings 277 outlets into play for the segment, most of which are in Las Vegas.
“Clark County, which includes the popular tourist destination Las Vegas, is setting an example for the rest of the state by passing this ordinance and allowing businesses to serve their customers a genuine spirits-based drink, instead of a beer or wine product that imitates a real cocktail,” said the organisation’s VP of state government relations, Adam Smith. “Alcohol is alcohol, and there is no good reason products with similar alcohol content should not be sold in the same places.”
The US is by far the largest market for RTDs: According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the country sold the equivalent of 387m nine-litre cases in the 12 months of 2021, more than double the volumes of second-placed Japan.
