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 licensure of cereal malt beverage retailers. It transfers the responsibility for licensing 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 also introduces new definitions for terms such as "public venue," "railway car," and "restaurant," and clarifies the requirements for these establishments, including specific gross receipt thresholds for food sales.

Additionally, the bill revises the licensing process, eliminating the need for local advisory recommendations and allowing for special event retailers' permits for temporary sales. It maintains the legal age for consumption of cereal malt beverages at 21 years but allows for a potential change to 18 years if federal penalties are lifted. The bill also removes restrictions on private rooms in licensed establishments, clarifies the right of law enforcement to inspect licensed premises, and introduces stricter penalties for violations, including civil fines and the unenforceability of debts created in violation of the act. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the licensing process, enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure compliance within the cereal malt beverage industry.

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