PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — Consumers can now buy stronger beer with their groceries in Kansas. A new law effective April 1 allows grocery and convenience stores to sell beer with up to 6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
Previously, state law limited retailers to selling 3.2 percent ABV products.
Lawmakers call it a win for consumers, but liquor store owners in Kansas see it differently.
Some worry they'll lose business, since before Monday only liquor stores could sell strong beer in Kansas; now they share that market with convenience and grocery stores.
However, only liquor stores can sell wine and spirits in Kansas. And the new law taking effect Monday allows liquor stores to sell other non-alcohol related items so long as they account for less than 20 percent of their overall sales. Liquor stores can also now sell tobacco and lottery tickets.
Several craft beers have an ABV higher than 6 percent. So liquor stores will be the only place consumers can purchase those items in Kansas.
Convenience stores said the new law levels the playing field. QuikTrip predicts its sales will go up and it will add more options for consumers to choose from.
—
