No Sunday Alcohol Sales in Leavenworth, Kan.
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- The Leavenworth City Commission has unanimously rescinded a controversial decision to allow beer sales at grocery and convenience stores on Sundays.
Attorney General Phill Kline warned city leaders he would take action if the ordinance was not revoked, the Associated Press reported.
The state's Liquor Control Act prohibits sales of liquor on Sundays, but several communities -- including Leavenworth -- have opted out of the law, passing ordinances allowing alcohol sales at liquor stores on Sundays. A Wyandotte County judge upheld ordinances in that county and Kline appeal's is pending in the state Supreme Court.
However, Kline said all convenience stores and supermarkets are limited to selling only "cereal malt beverages" or beer with low alcohol content. Kline said the law is uniform to all grocery and convenience stores in the state and does not allow cities to opt out.
If the state Supreme Court allows cities to override the Sunday ban on liquor store sales, some believe sales of wine, liquor and strong beer at grocery and convenience stores could follow because the same law that bans Sunday sales also prevents grocery stores and convenience stores from selling hard liquor.
If approved, retail liquor stores in Leavenworth could begin selling beer and liquor as early as Aug. 24.
Attorney General Phill Kline warned city leaders he would take action if the ordinance was not revoked, the Associated Press reported.
The state's Liquor Control Act prohibits sales of liquor on Sundays, but several communities -- including Leavenworth -- have opted out of the law, passing ordinances allowing alcohol sales at liquor stores on Sundays. A Wyandotte County judge upheld ordinances in that county and Kline appeal's is pending in the state Supreme Court.
However, Kline said all convenience stores and supermarkets are limited to selling only "cereal malt beverages" or beer with low alcohol content. Kline said the law is uniform to all grocery and convenience stores in the state and does not allow cities to opt out.
If the state Supreme Court allows cities to override the Sunday ban on liquor store sales, some believe sales of wine, liquor and strong beer at grocery and convenience stores could follow because the same law that bans Sunday sales also prevents grocery stores and convenience stores from selling hard liquor.
If approved, retail liquor stores in Leavenworth could begin selling beer and liquor as early as Aug. 24.