Kansas lawmakers OK self-serve beer taps, longer bar hours
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Legislators in the state that made saloon-smasher Carrie Nation famous have approved a bill to allow self-serve beer taps and longer hours for bars and taverns.
The Kansas House approved the measure Tuesday on a 94-28 vote. The Senate approved it Monday on a 34-4 vote, so it goes next to Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer.
Kansas is among a few states that do not allow self-serve beer taps in restaurants and bars. The move to legalize them was spurred by the prospects of a new restaurant in downtown Topeka, blocks from the Statehouse.
Bars, taverns and restaurants licensed to sell alcohol can't open until 9 a.m., but the bill would allow them to start serving at 6 a.m. Critics saw that provision as a public safety threat.