HB 2282 will have a public hearing in the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee next Monday and Tuesday.  Proponents will testify Monday, February 13 and Opponents will testify Tuesday, February 14.  The legislation would allow Big Box and Convenience Stores to sell strong beer and wine under a newly created Wine and Beer Retailers License.  Read the bill here.

Please plan to come to Topeka to show your opposition!  Hearings will most likely start at 1:30 p.m. and end around 3:00 p.m.  We are hoping to provide lunch in the Capitol on Tuesday if we can secure the space.

KABR will send more detailed information and an RSVP email very soon.

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Long time members of KABR know – the key to winning this issue is one on one relationships with your legislators.  It takes more than a 2 minute conversation to explain the complex concerns of retail liquor store owners.  As they get to know you and learn about your business, they are better able to understand the harmful effects of Uncork legislation.  As you develop an honest supportive relationship with your representative and senator, you are also more likely to receive information from them about the happenings at the Legislature.  If you do not know them already, reach out now to introduce yourself and to begin a conversation about why you hope they will support Kansas small businesses and oppose Uncork.  If they are local, request a meeting.

Reach out to the members of the House Commerce Committee and your legislators now (see information below if you need help).  Face to face meetings are extremely valuable – either at the Statehouse in Topeka or while they are home on the weekends.  Emails and phone calls are also effective.  It is very important that our members get active now on this issue, or we will find ourselves behind the ball once a public hearing is finally scheduled.   

Find your state senator and state representative at https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ by entering your address information.  Contact information for all legislators is available at wwwkslegislature.org.  

Information for the House Commerce Committee is below: