Committee Votes 8-1 to Move SB 54 to Senate Floor, Shows Support for State Economy
Coalition Applauds Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee for Voting 'Yes' on Bill to Update Laws Regarding Sale of Beer, Wine and Spirits
TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives of the Coalition for Jobs and Consumer Choice (CJCC) today applaud members of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee for voting 8 to 1 in support of Senate Bill No. 54. The group, made up of large and small Kansas retailers, drafted the bill, and continues to stress the economic benefits of updating the laws regarding the sale of beer, wine and spirits not only for grocery and convenience stores in urban areas but also for the struggling rural stores who desperately need a lifeline during these tough economic times.
"Today's vote is extremely encouraging for coalition members, retailers, and workers all across the state who have been hit by this economic downturn," said Gratz Peters, co-owner of Pete's Corporation and board member of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas. "In the face of a daunting budget deficit and a growing number of mom-and-pop stores whose survival is in jeopardy, it is critical that this bill continues to gain support."
Under current laws, licensed liquor stores are the only retailers that can sell full strength beer, wine and spirits. The passage of SB 54 would allow other retailers like grocery stores and convenience stores to sell these products, and would enable liquor stores to sell food items. SB 54 would create more convenience for customers and encourage free market competition, which would result in lower prices and increased economic activity.
"For years, Kansas laws have protected liquor stores from competition," said Gary Haag, owner of Haag Oil Company in Topeka. "The passage of SB 54 would set the stage for Kansas to benefit from a free market economy, rather than unfair laws giving a leg up to one small but vocal minority. I hope that legislators continue to support this bill to make all retailers more competitive."
The bill now moves for consideration on the Senate floor.
Click here to read "An Economic Case for Increased Competition in the Sale of Beer, Wine, and Spirits in the State of Kansas" by Dr. Art Hall, Director of the Center for Applied Economics at the University of Kansas.
The Coalition for Jobs and Consumer Choice (CJCC) represents hundreds of companies and thousands of Kansans who recognize the immediate and positive impact that updated laws on the sale of beer, wine and spirits will have on the Kansas economy. To learn more, please visit CJCC's website at www.jobsforkansas.com.
SOURCE Coalition for Jobs and Consumer Choice
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