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Minutes for HB2596 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Allowing an alcoholic liquor manufacturer to obtain a drinking establishment license under certain conditions.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 18, 2020
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2596. Jason Long, Revisor, provided an overview on the bill (Attachment 4). Representative Humphries had a question for the Revisor.
Chairperson Barker recognized Representative Eplee as a proponent on HB2596 (Attachment 5). He stated that Midwest Grain Products in Atchison has owned a building on the Missouri riverfront for over five years that could easily function as a high-end restaurant, but has not opened due to the current laws regarding the three-tier liquor licensing system. He stated this bill would allow manufacturers of distilled spirits to own a restaurant if their point of manufacture is within 1.2 miles of the restaurant and passing this bill would have a beneficial impact on the Atchison Community.
The Chair recognized Sydney Bannister of the League of Kansas Municipalities (League) as a proponent of HB2596 (Attachment 6). She stated the League supports allowing manufacturers to hold a drinking establishment license and would ask the Committee to recommend this bill favorably for passage.
Joe Warren testified as a proponent on HB2596 on behalf of the City of Atchison (Attachment 7). He testified that the City of Atchison supports HB2596, and would like to be able to capitalize on the tourism industry by allowing Midwest Grain Products to open and own a restaurant in close proximity to its distillery.
Chairperson Barker recognized Philip Bradley who testified in support of HB2596 on behalf of the Kansas Licensed Beverage Association, the Kansas Craft Brewers Association, the Kansas Viticulture and Farm Winery Association, and the Artisan Distillers of Kansas (Attachment 8).
Scott Schneider testified in support of HB2596 on behalf of the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (Attachment 9). He stated this organization believes the provisions of this bill are very reasonable.
Questions were asked by Representative Resman to Representative Eplee and Representative Humphries to the Revisor.
Chairperson Barker recognized Debi Beavers, Director, Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) as a neutral on HB2596 (Attachment 10). She stated that under current law, a drinking establishment may purchase wine directly from a Kansas farm winery, and the ABC suggests also including this provision to the bill for consistency. She also asked for clarification regarding the distance requirement from the manufacturer's premises to the restaurant. Questions were asked by Representatives Humphries and Erickson.
Chairperson Barker noted that Jason Watkins of Kansas Beer Wholsalers Association submitted written neutral testimony (Attachment 11).
Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on HB2596.
Chairperson Barker asked if there were any further requests for bill introductions. There were none.
There being no further business, Chairperson Barker adjourned the meeting at 9:43 a.m.
