Kansas Senate blocks strong beer in supermarkets

? The Kansas Senate has rejected a measure to allow supermarkets and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer.

The chamber voted 26-11 Thursday against adding the proposal to a bill on alcohol regulations. The Senate later approved the bill on a 31-5 vote. It goes to the House.

Supermarkets and convenience stores in Kansas now can sell only beer with 3.2 percent alcohol. Stronger alcoholic drinks can only be sold in the state’s roughly 750 individually-owned liquor stores.

The issue of expanding alcohol sales has generated fierce lobbying efforts on both sides.

The bill would allow alcohol to be consumed at official events at the Statehouse. It would also create a permit process for alcohol to be sold and consumed at venues like fairs, farmers markets and art galleries.