A Kansas Senate committee took testimony today (TUE) on a plan to allow grocery stores to sell full-strength beer and liquor, but only if it's approved in a county-wide vote.
Supporters, including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, say the current rules stifle competition and make it less convenient for consumers.
Mike Moon, who owns three small grocery stores, says selling liquor would help small-town independent grocery stores survive.
“I’m here to let you know that from an independent’s standpoint, we need this. It would help us greatly and it would help protect our future,” says Moon.
Steve Faust owns a liquor store in Overland Park. He says the change could put locally-owned liquor stores like his out of business.
“Simply to benefit the bottom-line of out-of-state, multi-billion-dollar retailers such as Walmart, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Dillons, QuickTrip and Casey’s,” says Faust.
It’s not clear if the committee will vote on the bill this session.