TOPEKA, Kan. -- The Kansas Senate rejected a measure to allow supermarkets and convenience stores in the state to sell full-strength beer.
The chamber voted 11-26 Thursday to prevent the proposal from being added to a broader bill on alcohol regulations, according to an Associated Press report.
Supermarkets and convenience stores in Kansas can currently only sell beer with 3.2% alcohol. Stronger alcoholic drinks can only be sold in the state’s roughly 750 individually owned liquor stores.
The idea of expanding alcohol sales in other retail locations has generated fierce lobbying efforts on both sides of the issue, according to the report.
The wider bill would allow alcohol to be consumed at official events at the state capitol. It would also create a permit process for alcohol to be sold and consumed at venues like fairs, farmer’s markets and art galleries.
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