Kansas Legislature Considering Several Alcohol Bills

The Kansas Legislature is spending more time than usual on alcohol-related bills during the current session.

One lobbyist said 13 alcohol-related bills are in various stages of the legislative process.

Sen. Pete Brungardt, chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee, says much of the liquor legislation is minor tweaking of current laws. But he acknowledges that it’s unusual to have so many bills on liquor in one session.

The bill that has drawn most of the attention would allow groceries and convenience stores to acquire liquor licenses. Opponents and supporters argued the merits of the bill during two days of testimony before a House committee. The bill has been referred to House subcommittee, while a similar bill sits in a Senate committee.