WICHITA, Kan. – A coalition of supermarket and convenience store chains wants Kansas lawmakers to let them sell stronger alcohol. The Uncork Kansas coalition — which includes stores such as Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee and QuikTrip — attempts to address the concern that soon-to-be introduced legislation with a provision capping the number of liquor licenses will drive existing liquor stores out of business.

This concern has been a major reason why similar legislation has failed in the past, but the coalition now that that the cap would let owners of small liquor stores recoup their investment in the business by selling their license to a supermarket or convenience store.

Convenience stores, which are currently limited to selling 3.2% beer and low-alcohol wine coolers, would be able to sell full-strength beer under the legislation. Grocery stores and supermarkets, now limited to 3.2% beer and wine coolers, would be able to offer a full line of beer, wine and spirits.

Liquor stores now limited to selling only alcoholic beverages would be able offer mixers, snacks, cigarettes, ice and other goods that go with drinks.

While liquor stores have historically challenged similar legislation, sources for the industry say they aren’t fundamentally opposed to capping the number of licenses but they want more specifics about how the system will work, including timelines and provisions to protect small-business owners.