TOPEKA — Osawatomie grocer Mike Moon has jumped into a legislative battle that pits two powerful interest groups. A Kansas House committee is considering a bill that would allow other retailers besides liquor stores to sell beer and wine, which has sparked a battle among retailer groups. Groups representing grocers and big-box retailers want to be able to sell beer with 5-percent alcohol content and wine, while groups representing liquor stores are fighting to keep other retailers to sell only 3.5-percent beer, saying the bill would put family-owned liquor stores out of business. Moon testified Tuesday in favor of expanding the number of stores that can sell beer and wine, noting that other non-traditional outlets are selling food and grocery items in competition with the grocery stores, according to the Kansas Information Network. A similar bill failed last year.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7 a.m.
