Newton makes minor change to beer rules

The Newton City commission amended city code to allow for the sale of stronger beer at retailers to reflect changes made by the state legislature that will allow stronger beer to be sold in stores April 1.

SB 13 amended state law in relation to cereal malt beverages, allowing grocery stores and other retailers to sell stronger beer, 6.0 percent alcohol — all but eliminating the sale of “grocery store” beer, which contains 3.2 percent alcohol. Current cereal malt beverage retailers affected by the change include Dillons, Walgreens, Casey’s, Walmart, Kwik Shop, Dillons Fuel Center, Newell Truck Plaza and Happy LLC. “The current city code mirrors state code, however, the city can be more restrictive if they choose to do so,” City Attorney Chris Towle said.
However, the commission chose to not make any major changes to the code aside from allowing the sale of beer with 6.0 percent alcohol.

(Read more: Newton Kansan)