ohnson County voters in November will decide whether they want to end the last vestiges of the county’s dry liquor laws and allow businesses to sell alcoholic drinks without also having to sell food. The county commission unanimously voted to put a ballot question in the general election that will lift a three-decade restriction – a move much sought by the new micro-brewers who have begun to open around the county. Brewery owners have been on a campaign since last year to get the law changed that requires them to make at least 30% of their gross sales in food in order to also sell alcoholic drinks. They’ve said the food sales add a layer of difficulty to their small operations, and lifting the rule would even the playing field.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)