A beer battle has brewed in Kansas for decades and now, a small victory for those who have pushed to sell stronger beer in grocery and convenience stores.
Tuesday, Governor Sam Brownback signed SB13 into law. The bill does a few things:
- allows grocery stores to sell beer up to 6.0 alcohol content
- allows liquor stores to sell non-alcoholic items like mixers, tobacco products and lottery tickets
- launches a 10-year study on the effects of this bill
Kansas State Representative Stephanie Clayton is happy with the progress but said she wants to see more because, "There are many people, including many of my constituents, who will be disappointed that they still even after all this cannot buy wine in grocery stores."
Several liquor stores were hesitant about the change. Panjak Patel, owner of Roy's Wine and Spirits in Lawrence said, "I'm afraid some of my business will go to convenience stores and big box stores. Being a businessman with a lot of money, my own money on the line, you worry."
Jessica Lucas is a spokesperson and lobbyist for Uncork Kansas who has worked to pass some form of liquor legislation to expand access for consumers. She calls this a win.
"I would say that no one is saying we got everything we wanted and each of us in our own way feel they wish things had came out a little differently but, overall, we're glad we could find some consensus," Lucas shared.
