By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Beginning Monday, grocery and convenience stores in Kansas will be able to sell “strong” beer.

On April 1, 2019, state law will allow for the sale of beer containing up to 6% alcohol by volume under the current Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) licensing by cities in Kansas, including Hays.

An ordinance amending the current Hays Code of Ordinances is required to include the reference to the beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume.

Kim Rupp, Hays Finance Director, explained the statute change to city commissioners at their last meeting, as well as the current legal definitions of a cereal malt beverage and beer in Kansas.

“State statute defines CMB as any fermented but undistilled liquor brewed or made from malt or from a mixture of malt or malt substitute or any flavored malt beverage but does not include any such liquor which is more than 3.2% alcohol by weight.

“Statute further defines beer as a beverage containing more than 3.2% alcohol by weight obtained by alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or concoction of barley or other grain, malt and hops in water and includes beer, ale, stout, lager beer, porter and similar beverages that
have the same alcohol content,” Rupp said.

Rupp noted all current CMB licenses will remain in effect and will automatically qualify under the new ordinance.

Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance.

Changes in the state law will also allow liquor stores to also sell other items including cigarettes, soda, and other mixers.