Restaurants and similar food establishments covered under the FDA menu labeling legislation are required to post calories on their menus. Alcoholic beverages listed on a menu must also declare calories. However, there are some exemptions to keep in mind.

Alcoholic drinks offered by your establishment but not listed on a menu, such as bottles of alcohol on display that are not self-serve and used for rail or mixed drinks, are exempt from menu labeling. For example, if a customer orders a gin and tonic, which your establishment serves but doesn’t list on a menu, the beverage would be exempt from menu labeling legislation. The gin bottle, sitting on display behind the bar, is also exempt.

If you have questions about menu labeling, please don’t hesitate to contact On The Menu. We’ve helped several clients with their bar and restaurant menus that list alcoholic beverages.