Kansas Bill Would Allow Full-Strength Alcohol Sales

SN STAFF

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Coalition for Jobs and Consumer Choice, whose members include Wal-Mart, The Kroger Co. and Hy-Vee, applaud Kansas' Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee for voting for a bill that would allow full-strength beer, wine and liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores in the state.

Under current law, licensed liquor stores are the only retailers that can sell these beverages.

"For years, Kansas laws have protected liquor stores from competition," said Gary Haag, coalition member and owner of Haag Oil Company, in a prepared statement. "The passage of SB 54 would set the stage for Kansas to benefit from a free market economy, rather than unfair laws giving a leg up to one small but vocal minority. I hope that legislators continue to support this bill to make all retailers more competitive."