TOPEKA, Kan. - Last week, the Kansas Federal and State Affairs Committee approved a bill that would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer, liquor and wine, the Associated Press reports. However, the expansion would be phased in over several years, with the full law in effect by 2017.

Some still think the bill goes too far. "The people who currently own liquor stores in the state of Kansas, I think it??s likely to bankrupt them, put them out of business," said state Sen. Steve Abrams.

Senators are debating the bill, which attempts to balance the fears of liquor stores that such a measure would close locations and the desire of convenience and grocery stores to stock more alcohol. "The Walmarts, the Dillons, the QuikTrips, the Casey??s, they??re saying they want a level playing field. But if it would pass, they don??t want us ?" the little mom-and-pop stores, all liquor stores in Kansas ?" to sell cigarettes or put in gas pumps," said Kenny DiVall, who owns DiVall Liquor.

Mandy Maples, who owns CADS liquor store, is against the bill because she thinks it will hurt her business. However, she does see some positives, as she could now offer soft drinks, lemons, limes, ice and other things that can accompany liquor. "We??d be able to put together some really nice gift baskets if that happens," she said.

Current Kansas state law allows convenience and grocery stores offer low-alcohol beer, one of only five states to make such a distinction about beer strength. Neil Felts, who own a Phillips 66, said he wants to stock a single strength brew.

"We??re not trying to put the liquor stores out of business, but we??d like to be competitive with them in beer sales," said Felts. "Customers come in here because it??s, well ?" convenient."