Today, the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee heard from opponents of HB 2282 – the 2017 liquor bill that would create Wine and Beer licenses for grocery and convenience stores.

Click here to read the CJ Online article: Critics Challenge Spirit of Retail Liquor Store Reform Bill.  

It was standing room only in the hearing room, where retailers from across the state had gathered to hear the testimony. 

Speakers included R.E. Tuck Duncan for the KS Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, Ross Schimmels - Standard Beverage Corporation, Aaron Rosenow - Vern’s Retail Liquor, Brandon Plaschka – Plaschka & Kramer Liquor, Amy Campbell – KS Association of Beverage Retailers, Frances Wood – Women’s Temperance, Jeff Breault – R & J Discount Liquor, Larry Baer – KS League of Municipalities, Whitney Damron – KS Association for Responsible Liquor Laws, Tim Liesmann – attorney, Seth Fox – High Plains Distillery, and Luke Lawlor – Ad Astra Distributor. 

Debbi Beavers, Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control presented neutral comments on the bill, recommending changes.  The agency was particularly concerned with bill language to allow corporations to hold liquor licenses and requiring only those holding 15% or more ownership to meet licensing requirements.  The testimony states “In theory, seven or more convicted felons or previously revoked persons could team up and own a corporation and none would have to meet the qualification.”  The cost of implementation to ABC (not including other agencies) would be staggered over time:  FY 18 $58,056; FY 19 $650,739; FY $810,586.   These estimates were based on 90% of the 1476 current CMB license holders choosing to get the new Wine and Beer license.  She pointed out, however, that the Dept. of Revenue lists 4000 entities filing tax returns that fit within the NAICS codes (business definitions) listed in the bill.  When questioned, she said that if the 4000 sought Wine and Beer licenses, the size and cost of the ABC would double from what it is today, but thought the number might not exceed 2500.

When questioning had ended, Chairman Les Mason announced the committee would work the bill on Thursday or he would entertain a motion to suspend the rules and work it today.  Rep. John Carmichael made a motion to suspend the rules. That motion was passed with 9 votes. It appeared the committee would consider a motion to table the bill. Then, Rep. Erin Davis, who had returned to the committee just in time for the vote, requested the committee reconsider the motion and wait to work the bill.  She pointed out that a couple of committee members had left the meeting early.  The motion was reconsidered – and the bill will be debated and voted on at the Thursday 1:30 p.m. meeting of the committee.  Committee members will receive a lot of pressure from Uncork supporters between now and Thursday.

KABR will post more copies of testimony at the website in the next few days.  Click on underlined links -   Read KABR Testimony here *  Rosenow Testimony * Plaschka Testimony (includes comments from rural grocer) * Breault Testimony

Written testimony was distributed from another dozen or so opponents to HB 2282.

Information for the House Commerce Committee is below: