Full-Strength Beer Sales Heading to Kansas C-stores

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a measure that allows convenience stores to sell full-strength beer.

The legislation, which also includes grocery stores, was previously approved by a 27-11 vote in the state Senate and an 80-45 vote in the state House of Representatives. 

According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, the beer reform law was the result of years of lobbying by grocery interests. Beginning in April 2019, c-stores and grocery stores will be able to move beyond 3.2 percent cereal-malt beverages and begin marketing beer with up to 6 percent alcohol. 

Liquor stores will still sell beer, wine and hard liquor. These stores are permitted to start selling other goods, including cigarettes, the news outlet reported.

"Our goal has always been to see the adoption of policies that provide customers with more choice and convenience in the marketplace. This bill does that," said Jessica Lucas, a spokeswoman for the Uncork Kansas organization that pushed for the change.