New legislation under discussion by state lawmakers could make wine more readily available in Kansas. A new bill introduced to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs could make sweeping changes to Kansas liquor laws. This legislation authorizes the sale of wine by cereal malt beverage retailer licensees in Kansas. If passed, 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 malt beverage license holder may sell or offer for sale any cereal malt beverage and beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume. 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, Governor Laura Kelly enacted changes to the state’s liquor laws. One of those allowed for Common Consumption Area. Ottawa City Council is expected to approve such a zone next week.
