The Best Places To Buy Beer In Kansas

Kansas has a long history of strict liquor laws, with prohibition in the state lasting from 1881 until 1948. In recent years, however, the state has liberalized its alcohol laws, allowing private businesses to sell alcohol and establishing a statewide monopoly on liquor sales. Beer in Kansas is regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) of the Kansas Department of Revenue, which permits the sale of beer by grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. While grocery stores were previously only allowed to sell beer with an alcohol content of 3.2% or less, a bill passed in 2017 allowed them to sell beer with up to 6% alcohol by volume. This bill also allowed liquor stores to sell non-alcoholic products like ice and mixers, as long as these products made up less than 20% of their sales. Beer can be purchased by adults over the age of 21 from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays, and from noon to midnight on Sundays.

Beer in grocery stores

In Kansas, the sale and possession of beer is regulated by the state, and it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase it. Beer may be sold by grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. However, there are some restrictions in place. For example, only 3.2% beer is available in grocery stores, while higher-strength beer is usually only available in liquor stores or specialty retailers. Additionally, retailers must obtain a Retailer's Liquor License to sell any form of beer.

In terms of when beer can be sold, grocery and convenience stores may sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and from noon to midnight on Sunday. On Sundays, beer sales are prohibited before noon. The laws also specify that no alcohol can be sold on certain days, such as Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. It's important to note that these laws apply to most of Kansas, but individual cities and towns may have their own regulations, so it's always good to check the local rules.

In 2017, the Kansas Legislature approved a bill to allow the sale of stronger beer (up to 6% alcohol) in grocery stores. This bill was signed by Governor Sam Brownback and was seen as a compromise between liquor store owners and grocery stores. The bill took effect in July 2019, allowing Kansans more flexibility in purchasing beer on Sundays.

The approval of stronger beer sales in grocery stores was a significant change for Kansas, which has a history of strict liquor laws. The debate surrounding this issue considered the convenience for customers and the potential negative impact on small liquor stores, which may face increased competition from large grocery chains.

Liquor stores

Kansas has a history of strict liquor laws, but in recent years, the state has relaxed some of its regulations around the sale of alcohol.

In 2017, a bill was passed to allow grocery stores to sell beer with an alcohol content of up to 6%. Previously, only 3.2% beer was available in grocery stores, while higher-strength beer was typically only available in liquor stores or specialty retailers. This change was made in part because of the fear that brewers would soon stop producing 3.2% beer. The bill also allowed liquor stores to sell non-alcoholic products like ice, mixers, and shot glasses, as long as these products made up less than 20% of their sales.

In addition to liquor stores, beer can also be purchased at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other licensed retailers in Kansas. However, the types of beer available at these establishments may vary, and they must adhere to restricted hours of sale.

Convenience stores

In Kansas, convenience stores are a great option for purchasing beer, offering a quick and easy solution for those looking to grab a drink on the go. Here's what you need to know about buying beer from convenience stores in the state:

Convenience Store Hours and Availability:

Beer Strength and Variety:

The type of beer available at convenience stores in Kansas may vary. Before April 2019, Kansas law restricted grocery and convenience stores to selling beer with an alcohol content of up to 3.2%. However, after legislative changes, these stores are now allowed to sell beer with an alcohol content of up to 6% by volume. This means that you can find a wider range of beer options at your local convenience store, including both low-alcohol and regular-strength beers.

Age Restrictions:

It is important to note that Kansas has strict age restrictions for purchasing beer. Only individuals who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to buy beer from convenience stores. This is a statewide regulation that is consistently enforced, so make sure to carry a valid ID if you plan on purchasing beer to avoid any inconvenience.

Location Considerations:

While convenience stores across Kansas follow similar guidelines for beer sales, it's always a good idea to check the specific rules and regulations of your county or town. Some areas within the state may have unique laws or restrictions regarding the sale of beer. For instance, certain counties in Kansas are considered "dry counties," where the sale of alcohol may be prohibited altogether. Therefore, it's worth checking with your local jurisdiction or law enforcement to confirm the exact rules applicable to your area.

By following these guidelines, you can conveniently purchase beer from your nearby convenience store in Kansas. Remember to abide by the age restrictions and be mindful of the designated sales hours to ensure a smooth and legal transaction.

Age restrictions

Kansas has strict age restrictions in place for the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages. In the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21, and Kansas adheres to this rule. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol in the state of Kansas. To ensure compliance, retailers must obtain a Retailer's Liquor License and can only sell to those aged 21 or over.

The state of Kansas has a history of strict liquor laws, with prohibition lasting from 1881 until 1948, over three decades longer than the national prohibition. Even after the end of prohibition, Kansas continued to enforce strict regulations on the sale of alcohol. For many years, beer with an alcohol content of over 3.2% was only available in liquor stores, and it was illegal to sell any beer above this alcohol content in grocery stores. This was a significant restriction, as 3.2% beer is considered a strong beer.

In 2017, a bill was passed to allow grocery stores to sell beer with an alcohol content of up to 6%. This bill was seen as a compromise between liquor store owners and grocery stores, with the former group concerned about the potential loss of business. The new law came into effect in 2019, providing customers with more choice and convenience. However, the sale of wine and liquor remains restricted to liquor stores, and grocery stores are still prohibited from selling beer before noon on Sundays.

While the state of Kansas sets the minimum drinking age and the broad framework for alcohol sales, individual counties and towns may impose additional restrictions. For example, some counties in Kansas are "dry", meaning they have banned the sale of alcohol entirely. In other areas, there may be limits on the days or hours when alcohol can be sold. As such, it is important for residents and visitors to Kansas to familiarise themselves with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.

Time restrictions

Kansas has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States. The state had a long period of prohibition, lasting from 1881 to 1948, and continued to prohibit general on-premises liquor sales until 1987.

In terms of time restrictions, off-premise beer sales in Kansas can be made from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 11 pm. On Sundays, off-premise beer sales are restricted to between 9 am and 8 pm. On-premise beer sales are allowed from 9 am to 2 am every day, including Sundays.

These time restrictions apply to licensed, off-premise locations such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. On-premise locations include bars, restaurants, and breweries or taprooms.

It is worth noting that the above timings are the maximum allowable guidelines for sales of alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage (CMB). A city or county can impose different, more restrictive hours via ordinance or resolution. For example, a retail liquor store may be required to cease alcohol sales as early as 8 pm by city ordinance or county resolution.

Additionally, there are certain days when the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in Kansas. These include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Frequently asked questions