Kansas counties could soon decide the fate of Uncork Kansas – a bill that aims to give grocers and convenient stores a chance to sell hard liquor.
Last week, lawmakers proposed an amendment to the bill, which has garnered a lot of attention in recent months.
“We believe it is better for there to be free-market policies in regard to adult beverages and we are responsible enough to make decisions about where we buy our products,” said Jessica Lucas, spokesperson for Uncork Kansas.
Nearly 20 groups spoke before a Kansas house committee earlier this year, speaking against the bill. Ten groups spoke in favor of the plan.
Brian Davis, an owner of Davis Liquor Outlets, said the legislation could seriously hurt the local liquor business.
He said beer makes up about 60 percent of his overall sales, and if grocers become part of that equation, many may have to take drastic measures.
“I’ve told my employees that if this bill does pass, that at least one person from this location would go,” he said. “At least two people from the other locations will go.”
UNDERAGE DRINKING
Davis and his family have been in the liquor business for decades and own four stores in the Wichita-area. He’s not just concerned with how things will shape business, but also what it would mean for minors.
“No 16 year-old should know where to find hard liquor in a store,” he said. “It’s not monster energy. Its not that kind of stuff where it can go on any shelf and get sold. It needs to be in a regulated space. It needs to have over 21-year-old’s selling it.”
Current Kansas law allows 18-year-olds to sell liquor inside grocery and convenient stores.
Uncork Kansas argues that underage drinking is a non-issue.
“In a 2010 study, The US Department of Health and Human Services found that less than 5% of underage drinkers purchased alcohol themselves and of that 5%, a large majority purchased from a bar or restaurant,” Uncork Kansas states on its website.
“Many retailers are stopped if age-restricted products come across the scanner,” the site continues. “The bill provides that all retailers must check the identification of anyone attempting to buy beer, wine or spirits who appears to be 27 years of age or less. In fact, figures from ABC show grocery and convenience stores have a higher rate of compliance with the law than do retail liquor stores.”
CHEAPER ALCOHOL PRICES
Supporters argue that the bill would make for a competitive, free market, which would drive cheaper alcohol sale prices.
“Ultimately, we all win when we get an option in the marketplace and get to decide,” Lucas said. “It has never been good economic policy to protect industries. As shoppers in the marketplace, we deserve the option to choose where we buy our adult beverages. “
According to a June 2014 article in the Seattle Times, a liquor privatization law a few years ago have meant drastic change in the marketplace.
Before the law change, 329 liquor stores were selling alcohol. After the law change, more than 1,400 outlets have sold hard liquor. The change is costing consumers about 11 percent more for their alcohol purchase – much of that is attributed to the fees and taxes involved with the new law.
However, some research shows that costs should go down for consumers.
“When businesses compete, consumers win. We know that there are great price discrepancies if you go to Missouri to buy a product, you’re likely paying $7-8 more for a bottle of wine if you are in Wichita,” Lucas said.