The bill amends various sections of the Kansas liquor control act, the Kansas club and drinking establishment act, and the Kansas cereal malt beverage act, with a primary focus on the licensing and regulation of cereal malt beverages. A significant change is the transfer of licensure for both off-premise and on-premise cereal malt beverage retailers from local cities and counties to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Department of Revenue, while still permitting local licensure. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "public venue," "railway car," and "restaurant," and clarifies existing definitions, including specific requirements for food sales to qualify as a restaurant or railway car.

Additionally, the bill repeals outdated provisions and updates language to streamline the regulatory framework, including the removal of certain licensing procedures that previously involved local governing bodies. It maintains the legal drinking age at 21 but allows for potential changes if federal laws are amended. The bill also establishes stricter penalties for violations related to the sale and distribution of cereal malt beverages, outlines conditions for license revocation or suspension, and clarifies the circumstances under which off-premise retailers can sell beverages below acquisition cost. Overall, the amendments aim to modernize the regulations surrounding cereal malt beverages in Kansas while ensuring compliance with state laws.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 41-102, 41-104, 41-2703, 41-2704, 41-304, 41-2601, 41-1201, 41-2701, 41-2702, 41-2901, 41-2705, 41-2706, 41-2707, 41-2708, 41-2722, 41-2721, 41-2726, 41-2730
As Amended by House Committee: 41-102, 41-104, 41-2703, 41-2704, 41-304, 41-2601, 41-1201, 41-2701, 41-2702, 41-2901, 41-2705, 41-2706, 41-2707, 41-2708, 41-2722, 41-2721, 41-2726, 41-2730