A push for change in alcohol sales at grocery stores

"Uncork Kansas" is gearing up for another fight to bring full strength beer and wine to Kansas grocery stores. Saturday, customers filled out comment cards saying what they think about the proposal, but some people around Wichita weren't sold on the idea.

Right now, beer in grocery stores has less alcohol than beer in liquor stores. Grocery stores also can't sell wine in Kansas.

While many people think a law allowing people to buy full strength beer and wine in grocery stores would be convenient, one woman worries it could cause her to lose her job.

Crystal Thomas is the assistant manager at Game Time Wine and Spirits.

"I don't think it's a good idea," said Thomas. "I think it will affect a lot of small businesses negatively."

If grocery stores sell the stronger beer and wine products, she thinks shoppers won't be coming to her liquor store for beer. She said domestic beer is a big seller at her store.

Shoppers said it would be much more convenient for them to buy that alcohol at the grocery store.

Grocery store representatives said they also want to help liquor stores. Their legislation includes allowing liquor stores to own multiple licenses and sell products that don't contain alcohol, like mixers and corkscrews.

"If I have my kids with me, it's a lot more convenient just to get everything in the grocery store and not drag them to a liquor store," said shopper, John Simmons.

Thomas worries changes would hurt business so much, employees would have to find work elsewhere.

"I'm very concerned," said Thomas. "I am the sole earner for my household, and losing my job would definitely be damaging."

Supporters of allowing the alcohol in grocery stores will take the comment papers to legislators next week. They will share comments to try and change the law.