Kansas liquor law changes could let retailers sell wine

TOPEKA (KSNT) – New legislation under discussion by state lawmakers could make wine more readily available in Kansas.

On Thursday, Feb. 1 Democrat Rep. Dan Osman introduced a new bill to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs which could make sweeping changes to Kansas' liquor laws. This legislation, House Bill 2677, authorizes the sale of wine by cereal malt beverage (CMB) retailer licensees in the Sunflower State.

If passed in its current state, the bill would alter or insert language in existing state liquor laws allowing for the sale of wine containing not more than 16% alcohol by volume. Under current state law, a CMB license holder may sell or offer for sale any CMB and beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue's website.

CMB licenses are generally handled by city or county clerks depending on where the establishment or business is found. These are issued in one of three formats: on-premise, off-premise and special event licenses.

Last year, Gov. Laura Kelly signed off on legislation enacting several changes to the state's liquor laws. These changes included the establishment of common consumption areas, allowing dogs in microbreweries and allow for more bars to open on Sundays.

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