KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- On Tuesday, in a 5-2 vote, the Alcoholic Beverage Advisory Group voted to ban liquor cards.
There are certain criteria on who can hold a liquor card, which allows an employee to handle alcohol as part of their job.
Certain ex-felons cannot obtain one including those who have been convicted of a felony for murder, forcible rape, and first-degree kidnapping.
Several people attended the meeting on Tuesday, including restaurant owners and one organization that focuses on hiring ex-felons.
There were views on both sides of the issue.
“It's disheartening to me to think that employers in this industry would put their convenience and not wanting to deal with the paperwork hassle of keeping track of permits ahead of their customers' safety,” said former councilman John Sharp, who opposes banning the liquor license.
“If we're here to protect people then err on the side of saying let’s protect people but by giving them an opportunity at a job and a career,” said Kansas City Councilman Scott Wagner, who is for banning the cards.
Others argued certain revisions should be made in the ordinances to allow more people to obtain them, who may still be ex-felons, but still require liquor cards.
This is not yet a done deal. The issue goes before the City Council next Thursday.
