TOPEKA – Last week the Kansas Senate voted 27-11 to allow 6.0% alcohol by volume beer to be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores and big box stores starting April 1, 2019. The bill is now with Gov. Sam Brownback for his signature, reports Kansas.com.

Current Kansas law states that grocery and convenience stores are only allowed to sell beer that’s 3.2% alcohol, also known as a cereal malt beverage (CMB). Retailers that have a CMB license will be allowed to sell full-strength beer if or when the new law kicks in.

The legislation provides a 2-year transition so that retailers selling 3.2 beer can prepare for not being able to stock the product in sufficient quantities. "This bill is a solution for the eventual demise of 3.2 beer in grocery stores," said state Sen. Julia Lynn.

Other news outlets say the bill, SB 13, is a compromise among industries and associations after more than two decades of trying to allow wine, liquor and full-strength beer sales in grocery and convenience stores.