Kansas Committee Slates Debate on Liquor Bill

TOPEKA, Kan. -- A Kansas Senate committee is expected to vote next week on a measure that would give the green light to convenience stores and grocery stores to sell full-strength beer and wine. The chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee, Sen. Pete Brungardt (R-Salina) scheduled a debate on the proposal for Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Currently, convenience and grocery stores in the state are permitted to sell so-called cereal-malt beverage, also known as weak or low-point beer. However, according to the news outlet, the bill before the committee would allow the retailers to sell full-strength beer and wine starting Jan. 1. The bill also calls for liquor to be phased in by 2015.

As the Associated Press reports, liquor store owners oppose the measure because they fear larger retail chains will force them to close. On the other side of the aisle, proponents contend the move would create jobs and help struggling rural grocery stores.