Handbook for Cereal Malt Beverage Retailers

K.S.A. 41-2701 et seq.

Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Kansas Department of Revenue 109 SW 9th Street
Mills Building, 5th Floor Topeka, Kansas 66612

Phone: 785-296-7015 / Fax: 785-296-7185
Website: www.ksrevenue.gov/abcindex.html
Email: Kdor_abc.email@ks.gov

Please report errors, omissions or suggestions for improvement to this handbook to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control by telephone at 785-296-7015, by fax at 785-296-7185 or by email to Kdor_abc.email@ks.gov.

Changes made to this handbook since the previous revision(s) have been highlighted with a light blue background.

Table of Contents

Definitions

Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Retailer

Means a person who sells or offers for sale any CMB for use or consumption and not for resale in any form. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2701] When used in the context of CMB licenses, “retailer” shall include businesses engaged in either on-premise or off-premise sales, or both.

A CMB retailer may only sell CMB at the place of business specified on their license. They may not deliver CMB to locations outside the place of business. [A.G.'s Opinion 87-1 issued Jan. 9, 1987]

A CMB retailer may, in addition to CMB, sell beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume. Throughout this handbook, any reference to the sale or purchase of CMB shall be deemed to also refer to the sale or purchase of beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2702; see also 2017 House Substitute for Senate Bill 13]

Beer

Means a beverage, containing more than 3.2% alcohol by weight, obtained by alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or concoction of barley, or other grain, malt and hops in water and includes beer, ale, stout, lager beer, porter and similar beverages having such alcoholic content. [Subsection (d) of K.S.A. 41-102] 3.2% alcohol by weight is equivalent to 4.0% alcohol by volume.

Cereal malt beverage

Means a beverage having not more than 3.2% alcohol by weight produced by fermentation and not by distillation. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2701 and subsection (b) of K.A.R. 14-15-1.]

Malt beverage

Means a beverage made by the alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or decoction, or combination of both, in potable brewing water, of malted barley with hops, or their parts, or their products, and with or without other malted cereals, and with or without the addition of unmalted or prepared cereals, other carbohydrates or products prepared therefrom, and with or without the addition of carbon dioxide, and with or without other wholesome products suitable for human food consumption. [27 C.F.R. Part 7.10] No more than 49% of the overall alcohol content of the finished product may be derived from the addition of flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol. [27 C.F.R. Part 7.11]

Sample

Means a serving of alcoholic liquor which contains not more than: (1) One-half ounce of distilled spirits; (2) one ounce of wine; or (3) two ounces of beer or CMB. A sample of a mixed alcoholic beverage shall contain not more than one-half ounce of distilled spirits. [Subsection (dd) of K.S.A. 41-102]

Licensure Process and Fees

An application for a CMB retailer's license is submitted on a form prepared by the Attorney General's Office and must be verified. [Subsection (c) of K.S.A. 41-2702] The form is available on the Attorney General’s website at https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/civil/licensing-inspections/other-licensing-forms.

The completed application should be submitted to the:

  • City clerk if the CMB retailer is located within an incorporated city.
  • County clerk if the CMB retailer is located outside of an incorporated city.
  • director of ABC if the CMB retailer is operating on a railway car.

See also subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2702 for a requirement for the Board of County Commissioners to give notice to the clerk of the township where the business will be located if outside an incorporated city.

A premise can hold both an on-premises license and an off-premises license. [implied by subsection (f)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Licenses are not transferable from one person to another. [Subsection (h) of K.S.A. 41-2702]

On-premises licenses

The fee for a CMB retailer's license to sell CMB for consumption on the licensed premises (other than a railway car) is not less than $25 nor more than $200, as prescribed by the county commission or governing body of the city. [Subsection (d)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2702] The fee for a CMB retailer’s license to sell CMB for consumption on the premises of a railway car is $100. [Subsection (d)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2702] These fees go to the county or city, as the case may be.

Off-premises licenses

The fee for a CMB retailer's license to sell CMB in the original and unopened container and not for consumption on the licensed premises, is not less than $25 nor more than $50, as prescribed by the county commission or governing body of the city. [Subsection (g) of K.S.A. 41-2702] These fees go to the county or city, as the case may be.

Special Event CMB Retailers’ Permit

The fee for a special event CMB retailer’s permit to sell CMB for consumption on unlicensed premises for a limited duration is not less than $25 nor more than $200, as prescribed by the county commission or governing body of the city. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2703] These fees go to the county or city which issued the permit.

State CMB Stamp

In addition to payment of the fees described above, each licensee or special event CMB retailer’s permit holder must purchase from the city or county clerk a $25 state CMB stamp to be affixed to the license or permit. City and county clerks obtain these stamps from the Division of ABC Licensing Unit and remit the $25 stamp fees collected from the CMB licensees to the Division of ABC quarterly. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2702]

City and county clerk information can be found on our website at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/abccmbinfo.html.

Qualifications for Licensure

Subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2703 lists the qualifications for an initial license. The same requirements must be met for renewal of an existing license and for any special event CMB retailer’s permit except as specifically indicated.

Corporations

Each manager, officer and director of the corporation must meet all of the licensing qualifications for individual ownership below except for citizenship and residency requirements. Each stockholder owning more than 25 percent of the corporation's stock must meet all of the licensing qualifications for individual ownership listed below except for citizenship and residency requirements. [Subsection (b)(4) of K.SA. 41-2703]

The governing body may deny a license to a corporation if any manager, officer or director of the corporation, or any stockholder owning more than 25 percent of the corporation's stock, has been convicted of a violation of the Club and Drinking Establishment Act or the CMB Act in Kansas or has been a manager, officer or director of a corporation, or a stockholder owning more than 25 percent of a corporation's stock, which has had its CMB retailer's license revoked. [Subsection (c) of K.SA. 41-2703]

Partnerships

Each partner in a partnership must meet the licensing qualifications for individual ownership listed below. [Subsection (b)(3) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

The governing body may deny a license to a partnership if any partner has been convicted of a violation of the Club and Drinking Establishment Act or the CMB Act in Kansas or has been a manager, officer or director of a corporation, or a stockholder owning more than 25 percent of a corporation's stock, which has had its CMB retailer's license revoked. [Subsection (c) of K.SA. 41-2703]

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLCs must meet the same qualifications for licensure as a corporation as set forth in K.S.A. 41-2703 (see above), except that each person having an aggregate of 25 percent or more ownership interest in the LLC must meet the licensing qualifications for persons as listed below [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2703a]

The LLC must submit a copy of its Articles of Organization and its Operating Agreement to the governing body. [Subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2703a]

The governing body may deny a license to an LLC if any manager, officer or director of the LLC, or any member owning more than 25 percent of the LLC, has been convicted of a violation of the Club and Drinking Establishment Act or the CMB Act in Kansas or has been a manager, officer or director of a corporation, or a stockholder owning more than 25 percent of a corporation's stock, which has had its CMB retailer's license revoked. [Subsection (c) of K.SA. 41-2703]

Persons

Age requirement.

The person must be at least 21 years of age. [Subsection (c)(5) of K.S.A. 41-2702]

U.S. Citizenship.

The person must be a citizen of the United States. [Subsection (b)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

Criminal convictions.

The person must not have been convicted of or released from incarceration, probation or parole for, a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, drunkenness, DUI, or a violation of the liquor laws of Kansas, any other state, or the United States, within two years immediately preceding the date of application. [Subsection (b)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

Manager or agent.

If the person's place of business is conducted (managed) by a manager or agent, then the manager or agent must meet all of the qualifications for a license. [Subsection (b)(5) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

Spouse.

The person's spouse must meet all of the qualifications for ownership except for citizenship or age. However, this requirement applies only to an initial license and not to a renewal of an existing license. [Subsection (b)(6) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

If the person's spouse was ever licensed under the CMB Act, that spouse must not have had a conviction of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, drunkenness, DUI, or violation of the liquor laws of Kansas, any other state, or the United States, during the time that the spouse held such license. [Subsection (b)(7) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

Applicants Who Hold a Farm Winery or Producer’s License

If an applicant has been issued a Farm Winery license, pursuant to K.S.A. 41-316, or a Producer’s license, pursuant to K.S.A. 41-355, such CMB retailer’s application shall be approved by the board of county commissioners, the governing body of a city, or the director, subject to the requirements of K.S.A. 41-2703(b) and (c). [Subsection (d) of K.S.A. 41-2703, Section 8 of 2022 Senate Bill 2]

Restrictions on Employees

Employees involved with the sale, serving or dispensing of CMB must, within the previous two years, have no convictions of a felony or an intoxicating liquor law of Kansas, any other state or of the United States. [Subsection (c)(6) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Subsection (f)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2704 provides that a licensee's employee must be at least 18 years of age to dispense and sell CMB if the place of business holds a CMB license only for sale of CMB for off-premises consumption.

Subsection (f)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2704 provides that a licensee's employee must be at least 18 years of age to dispense and sell CMB if:

  • the licensee is also a licensed food service establishment as defined by K.S.A. 36-501 (regulating food service and lodging establishments) and
  • at least 50 percent of the licensee's gross receipts are derived from the sale of food for consumption on the licensed premises.

The CMB Act has no age restrictions on employees such as stock clerks who are not dispensing or selling CMB.

Hours and Days of Operation

The following applies to the sale of CMB for both on-premises and off-premises CMB retailers. The CMB Act does not regulate the hours for consumption of CMB at businesses licensed for on-premises consumption.

CMB on-premise retailer

Sales are permitted between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. on the days indicated below. However, the hours are extended to 2 a.m. if the business also has a drinking establishment or club license. They are not required to be closed on any holiday.

  • Every Monday through Saturday
  • Every Sunday if the business:
    1. derives at least 30 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of food to be consumed on the licensed premises, and
    2. is located in a county or city where Sunday sales have been authorized by city ordinance (for premises in cities) or by county resolution (for premises in townships but not in a city).

[Subsections (b), (c) and (h) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Since beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume is, by definition, “alcoholic liquor,” CMB on-premise retailers located in a dry county may only sell CMB products (3.2% ABW or less).

Special event CMB retailers’ permit holder

Sales of CMB for consumption on the permitted premises are permitted between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. on the days indicated below:

  • Every Monday through Saturday
  • Every Sunday if the permit holder:
    1. derives at least 30 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of food to be consumed on the permitted premises, and
    2. the special event is located in a county or city where Sunday sales have been authorized by city ordinance (for premises in cities) or by county resolution (for premises in townships but not in a city).

[Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2703 and Subsections (b), (c) and (h) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

CMB off-premise retailer

Sales are permitted as indicated below. Where Sunday sales have been approved, off-premises CMB retailers are not required to be closed on any holiday except Easter Sunday.

  • Every Monday through Saturday, between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m.
  • Every Sunday, except Easter, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., if located in a city or township where the days of sale of CMB in the original package has been expanded pursuant to K.S.A. 41-2911
    • Because the hours of operation are set by ordinance or resolution, a city or county wishing to change to a 9 a.m. opening time on Sundays must first pass an ordinance or resolution implementing the time change.

[Subsections (b) and (c) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

When cities or counties expand the days of sale pursuant to K.S.A. 41-2911, they must include both liquor retail sales and CMB retail sales. They cannot expand one type of sales without the other. However, they may limit sales on Sundays to hours less than the 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. provided in the statute. It should also be noted that if a city or county chooses to expand the days of sale under K.S.A. 41-2911, they may then further restrict the days of sale to include additional holidays, but they cannot do so without first expanding to Sunday sales in general. [Attorney General Opinion No. 2006-2 issued Jan. 4, 2006; see also City of Junction City v. Lee, 216 Kan. 495, 501 (1975).]

The governing body may prescribe hours of closing more restrictive that state statute. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Signs, Advertising, Trade Practices and Promotional Activities

For further clarification of trade practices involving product displays, point of sale items and equipment, refer to “Policy Memorandum 2016-1” located on the ABC webpage at: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/abcpm2016-1.pdf.

Outside signs.

Industry members may give, lend or sell basic signs advertising the industry member's products. The value of the signs may not exceed $400. The industry member cannot make payments or give credits to the licensee for displaying their sign and cannot pay for the installation, removal or operation of the sign. This would prohibit the industry member from supplying the structure to mount the sign on, such as a billboard, marquee with space to post additional information, a semi-trailer truck, etc. [27 CFR ch. 1, Sec. 6.102, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Definition of advertising.

"Advertising" means the medium of radio, television, newspapers, periodicals, circulars, pamphlets, or other publications or any sign or outdoor advertising or any other printed or graphic matter. [K.A.R. 14-8-1] Webster's Dictionary (New Riverside University Edition published in 1984) defines "graphic" as:

  • pertaining to written representation
  • pertaining to pictorial representation
  • pictorial device, as an illustration or chart
  • display by a computer or imaging device

Radio and television advertising.

Licensees may purchase live radio or TV commercials to take place at the licensed premises if the licensee pays the entire cost of the commercial. An industry member may be present and hand out promotional items to consumers on the premises during the time the commercial is broadcast but shall not participate in the commercial or pay any of the cost thereof. [Ruling by the director on Aug. 1, 2005] A licensee may arrange for a radio or television station to run a remote broadcast from the licensee's parking lot or anywhere outside the licensed premises and the licensee or the radio or television station may give away food or promotional items at that location. Any food or other items may be given free to the public. The food cannot be paid for by an industry member (manufacturer, supplier or distributor).

Industry members selling, giving or lending equipment or supplies.

Industry members are prohibited from giving or lending money, equipment, supplies, services or anything of value to a licensee except as permitted by K.A.R. 14-10-17. The following are allowed:

  • Glassware, as long as the price is not less than what the industry member paid for it.
  • Tapping and dispensing equipment, as long as the price is not less than what the industry member paid for it.
  • Carbon dioxide gas and ice, as long as the price is not less than the local market price.
  • Coil cleaning service.

Industry members selling or giving services.

Industry members are prohibited from inducing licensees to purchase product from them by paying or crediting the licensee for any advertising, display or distribution service. The following practices are prohibited:

  • Participating in paying for an advertisement placed by the retailer.
  • The purchase of advertising on signs, scoreboards, programs, scorecards, and similar items from the retail concessionaire at ballparks, racetracks or stadiums.
  • The purchase of advertising in a publication of the retailer which is distributed to consumers or the general public.
  • Reimbursements to retailers for setting up product or other displays.
  • Rental of display space in the licensed premises.

[Subsection (d) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.21, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-14]

Industry members shall not obtain tickets to a concert or other event and give them away to consumers either directly or through a third party if the concert or other event is being held on a licensee's premises. This is interpreted as furnishing something of value to the licensee (inducing consumers to visit the licensed premises) in violation of subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-703. [Ruling by the director on Aug. 1, 2005]

Industry members shall not arrange for a radio station to have its mobile unit park at a licensee's location and offer something of value to the public for finding the mobile unit and broadcast clues to find the mobile unit. This is interpreted as furnishing something of value to the licensee (inducing consumers to visit the licensed premises) in violation of subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-703. [Ruling by the director on Aug. 1, 2005]

However, industry members may furnish, give, rent, loan or sell newspaper cuts, mats or engraved blocks to a licensee for use in their advertising of the industry member's products. [27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.92, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Industry members may put the name of the retailer on the label or packaging of the products sold to retailers. If the name is added to a label that has previously been registered with ABC, the new label must be separately registered with ABC. [Ruling by the director on Aug. 20, 2007]

Product displays.

Industry members may give or sell product displays to licensees. The selling or giving of the product displays may be conditioned upon the purchase of enough of the liquor products advertised on the display for the initial completion of the display. No other conditions are allowed. [Subpart (c)(3) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.83, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

"Product display" means any wine racks, bins, barrels, casks, shelving, or similar items whose primary function is to hold and display consumer products. [Subpart (b) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.83, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17] The total value, based on actual cost to the industry member, of all product displays given or sold by an industry member may not exceed $300 per brand at any one time in any one licensed premises. [Subpart (c)(1) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.83, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

All product displays must bear conspicuous and substantial, permanently affixed, advertising material about the product or the industry member. The product display may also include the name and address of the retailer. [Subpart (c)(2) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.83, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Point of sale (POS) advertising materials.

Industry members may provide to licensees items intended to be used within the establishment to attract customers’ attention to the products of the industry member. Such advertising materials include, but are not limited to: posters, placards, designs, inside signs (electric, mechanical or otherwise), window decorations, trays, coasters, menu cards, paper napkins, foam scrapers, back bar mats, thermometers, clocks, calendars, banners, display cards, ceiling danglers, table tents and alcoholic beverage lists or menus dealing with alcoholic beverages. [Subpart (b)(1) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.84, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

All POS must bear conspicuous and substantial, permanently affixed, advertising material about the product or the industry member. The POS may also include the name and address of the retailer. [Subpart (c)(1) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.84, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Consumer advertising specialties (CAS) offered by industry members.

Industry members may provide to licensees consumer advertising specialties that are designed to be carried away by the consumer, such as trading stamps, nonalcoholic mixers, pouring racks, ashtrays, bottle or can openers, corkscrews, shopping bags, matches, printed recipes, informational pamphlets, cards and leaflets, post cards, posters, printed sports schedules, pens, pencils, koozies, t-shirts, ball caps and other similar items for distribution to the general public. [Subpart (b)(2) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.84, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

The CAS must bear conspicuous and substantial advertising material about the product or the industry member. The CAS may also include the retailer’s name and address. The licensee shall not be paid or credited in any manner, directly or indirectly, for this distribution service. [Subpart (c) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.84, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Retailer-generated CAS.

A retailer (on or off-premise licensee) may generate and distribute unconditionally and free of charge to the general public CAS intended to be carried away by the consumer. Such items include ash trays, bottle or can openers, cork screws, matches, printed recipes, informational pamphlets, cards and leaflets, post cards, posters, printed sports schedules, pens, pencils, koozies, t-shirts, ball caps and other similar items. Each CAS must bear conspicuous and substantial advertising material relating to the operation of the retail establishment.

There can be no requirement to purchase anything in order to receive the retailer-generated CAS. Industry members are prohibited from providing or paying for retailer-generate CAS.

Table 1: Point of sale and consumer advertising specialties quick reference

Type of Materials Purpose For consumers Advertising about Costs paid by Keep Records Notify ABC of New Items
Industry Member POS Materials provided by industry member for use within a retailer’s premises to attract customer attention to the products No Industry member or product
May include retailer’s information		 Industry member or retailer No No
Industry Member CAS Materials provided by industry member designed to be carried away by consumers Yes Industry member or product
May include retailer’s information		 Industry member or retailer No Yes
*Retailer- generated CAS Materials generated by retailers that are designed to be carried away by consumers Yes Retailer. Can include name, logo, address, phone, website, etc. Retailer No Yes

* Retailer means any on or off-premise establishment and includes retail liquor dealers, clubs, public venues, drinking establishments, and caterers.

Coolers

In response to an ABC question on the issue of stand-alone branded coolers provided to retailers by industry members, the TTB recently stated as follows:

  • “The Tied-house provisions of the FAA Act (27 U.S.C. 205(b)) provide that it is unlawful for an industry member (alcohol beverage producer, importer or wholesaler) to induce any retailer engaged in the sale of alcohol beverages to purchase such products from the industry member to the exclusion, in whole or in part, of alcohol beverage products sold or offered for sale by other persons in interstate or foreign commerce. Section 6.41 of TTB’s Tied–house regulations (27 CFR 6.41) provides that, subject to the Subpart D exceptions, the act by an industry member of furnishing, giving, renting, lending, or selling any equipment, fixtures, signs, supplies, money, services, or other things of value to a retailer constitutes a means to induce within the meaning of the FAA Act. There are no exceptions for providing coolers or other equipment to retailers free of charge. Accordingly, if an industry member provides a cooler to a retailer, for whatever reason and regardless of how it is branded, it would be considered an inducement.”

Therefore, as outlined in 27 CFR 6.88, it is not permissible for an industry member to give away a cooler to a retailer, regardless of how it is branded (alcoholic product or non-alcoholic product). However, a retailer may still purchase such a cooler, provided the amount paid by the retailer is not less than the cost to the industry member who initially purchased it. [Ruling by the director, June of 2019]

Offering coupons, premiums, rebates and refunds to customers by industry members.

Industry members may offer coupons through retailers (on and off-premise licensees) to consumers if all retailers within the market where the offer is made may redeem the coupons. Industry members may not reimburse a retailer for more than the face value of all coupons redeemed, plus a usual and customary handling fee. [Subpart (a) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.96, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17] The director has interpreted this regulation to also permit redemption of such coupons for free or discounted non- alcoholic items at grocery stores.

Industry members may offer contest prizes, premiums, refunds and like items directly to consumers. A premium may or may not be conditioned upon the purchase of an alcoholic beverage. The retailer shall not accept any reimbursement, payment or credit for providing this service to the industry member. Officers, employees and representatives of distributors and retailers shall be excluded from participation. [Subpart (b) of 27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.96, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

"Premium" is not defined in the statutes or regulations but is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "something offered free or at a reduced price as an inducement to buy." and by Black's Law Dictionary as "a reward for an act done."

Industry member support of events sponsored by licensees.

Industry members may not support these events through the donation of money, advertising, consumer advertising specialties or product. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-702 and subsection (a) of K.A.R. 14-14- 11] Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-703 authorizes the Secretary of Revenue to adopt rules and regulations authorizing exceptions to the general prohibition in K.S.A. 41-702. K.A.R. 14-10-1 et seq. dictates exceptions to the prohibition on industry members giving anything of value to retailers and it does not provide for any assistance with licensee sponsored events, whether they be fundraising or otherwise. Industry members may participate in these events but any fees paid by such industry members shall be the same as paid by any other participant.

Support of fundraising events sponsored by charitable organizations with sponsorship in whole or in part by a liquor licensee

Industry members may support these events through the donation of money and consumer advertising specialties directly to the charity, but not to the event sponsor or any other party. They may not donate product. Industry members may participate in these events, however any contributions made or fees paid by such industry members shall be the same as that contributed or paid by any other participant.

Industry member support of fundraising events sponsored by charities, not-for-profit organizations with no retailer involvement

Industry members may support these events through the donation of money and consumer advertising specialties directly to the charity. They may not donate product. Industry members may participate in these events, however any contributions made or fees paid by such industry members shall be the same as that contributed or paid by any other participant.

Industry member support to liquor association sponsored events.

Industry members may participate in these events to a limited extent. Industry members may: display products at a convention or trade show; rent display space at the same rental rate paid by all other exhibitors; provide hospitality independent from that provided by the retail association; purchase tickets to functions and pay registration fees at the same price paid by all other attendees, participants, or exhibitors; and pay for advertising in programs or brochures if the total payments made by an industry member for all such advertisements does not exceed $300 per year for any retail association. [27 CFR, ch. 1, Sec. 6.100, as adopted by K.A.R. 14-10-17]

Table 2: Industry member support to fundraising and other events

Type of Event/ Support Retailer Sponsored Event Charity sponsored events with retailer involvement Charity sponsored events with NO retailer involvement Liquor association sponsored events
Monetary Donations No Conditional (2) Yes No
Product Donations No No No Conditional (3)
CAS Donations No Conditional (2) Yes Yes
Participation Fees Conditional (1) Conditional (1) Yes Conditional (1)

Conditions

  1. Participation fees not in excess to those paid by all other participants.
  2. May only be provided to the charity. Donations may not go through retailer or any other party.
  3. May be provided as hospitality or at industry seminars.

Finality of Sales by Retailers

Products sold by CMB retailers with an alcohol content of more than 3.2% alcohol by volume and not more than 6% alcohol by volume are considered to be “alcoholic liquor” by definition. As such, the buy-back provisions of the Kansas Liquor Control Act will apply to such products. Under these provisions, CMB retailers may:

  • Buy back any item of alcoholic liquor or CMB from a consumer when required by the distributor. Approval of the director is not required. [Subsection (b)(1) of K.A.R. 14-13-12]
  • Buy back or exchange, within 24 hours after sale to a consumer, any item of alcoholic liquor or CMB which is damaged or deteriorated in quality. Approval of the director is not required. [Subsection (b)(3) of K.A.R. 14-13-12]
    • Liquor containers that are damaged or deteriorated in quality include containers that leak, contain foreign matter, are short-filled, have broken federal seals, have badly stained or soiled labels, or which are otherwise unfit for sale to the general public. [Subsection (a) of K.A.R. 14-13-12]

Registration and Sale of Kegs of CMB

The registration and sale of kegs of CMB is governed by the Beer and Cereal Malt Beverage Keg Registration Act, K.S.A 41-2901 through 41-2906, initially passed by the Kansas Legislature in 2002. [K.S.A. 41-2901] It applies to the retail sale of any container of CMB with a capacity of four gallons or more. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2905] It does not apply to the sale by CMB retailers to clubs, drinking establishments, hotel drinking establishments and caterers licensed under the club and drinking establishment act. [Subsection (h) of K.S.A. 41-2905] It shall also not apply in any manner to the retail sale of alcoholic liquor to temporary permit holders. [K.S.A. 41-1205] This exception also applies to sales by beer distributors to public venues. [Ruling of the director, Aug. 31, 2012]

Prior to or at the time of the retail sale of a keg, the CMB retailer must affix to the keg a registration tag. Keg registration tags may be ordered free of charge in reasonable quantities by submitting form ABC-171 Keg Tag Order Form (available from our website at www.ksrevenue.gov/abcforms.html) to the ABC. [Subsections (a) and (f) of K.S.A. 41-2905]

At the time of sale, the CMB retailer shall record the following information on form ABC-170 Keg Registration Form (available from our website at www.ksrevenue.gov/abcforms.html):

  • the keg number
  • the date of the sale
  • the purchaser's name and address
  • the number on the purchaser's driver's license, Kansas non-driver's identification card or other official or apparently official document containing both the purchaser's picture and the purchaser's signature, which shall be exhibited at the time of sale.

Such records shall be kept on the licensed premises until the keg is returned or until the expiration of six months following the date of the sale of the keg. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2905]

These records shall be available for inspection by any law enforcement officer during normal business hours of the CMB retailer. These records shall not be available for inspection or use or subject to subpoena in any civil or administrative action or criminal prosecution other than a civil or administrative action or criminal prosecution relating to a specific violation of this section or K.S.A. 21-3610 or 41-727, and amendments thereto. These records shall not be sold, distributed or otherwise released to any person other than an agent of the CMB retailer or to a law enforcement agency. [Subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2905] The loan of a tap or pump may be included with the sale of a keg to customers. The CMB retailer may require the customer to make a reasonable deposit for the loan of the keg and tap or pump, to be refunded in full upon return of these items in usable condition. [Interpretation of K.S.A. 41-308(b) by the director on Nov. 28, 2005]

Keg registration tags assigned to a CMB retailer may be transferred with approval of the director only for emergency purposes or in the case of a CMB retailer selling its business to another licensee. Form ABC-172 must be completed and submitted to ABC prior to the transfer. Tags may be transferred at any time after written approval is granted by the director. Form ABC-172 is available for download from our website at www.ksrevenue.gov/abcforms.html.

Unused keg registration tags may be returned to ABC when accompanied by a complete Form ABC-173 (available on our website at www.ksrevenue.gov/abcforms.html).

Obtaining, Transporting and Paying for CMB

  • A CMB retailer or holder of a special event CMB retailer’s permit may purchase CMB from Kansas licensed beer distributors which are authorized by franchise agreements on file with the director to sell beer within the geographic area where the CMB retailer is located. [Subsection (c)(2) of K.S.A. 41-307] The beer distributor may deliver the CMB to the CMB retailer’s premises or to the special event premises. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-307]
  • CMB may not be purchased from a distributor on credit. [K.S.A. 41-2707] If both the CMB retailer and the beer distributor agree, payment may be made by electronic funds transfer. Payment must be made no later than the next banking business day after the date of delivery of the CMB. [Paragraph 3.c. of ABC Policy Memorandum 2001-2]
  • A CMB on-premise retailer or holder of a special event CMB retailer’s permit may also purchase CMB or beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume from a Kansas licensed retail liquor store who possesses a federal wholesaler's basic permit and who has a sign on display at the licensed premises that states that the licensee is a "Wholesale Liquor Dealer Under Federal Law", if the CMB premises are located in the same county or and adjacent county relative to the retail liquor store’s licensed premises. [Subsection (b)(3) of K.S.A. 41-308, as amended by Section 3 of 2021 House Bill 2137]

Authorized Activities

Businesses also licensed under the Club and Drinking Establishment Act

CMB may be sold on premises which are licensed pursuant to both the CMB Act and Club and Drinking Establishment Act at any time when alcoholic liquor is allowed by law to be served on the premises. [Subsection (h) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Access to law enforcement officers

Every licensed premises and special event shall be open to law enforcement officers at all times during business hours. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Open to the public

Every licensed premise except clubs licensed under the Club and Drinking Establishment Act shall be open to the public at all times during business hours. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Free food and/or entertainment

CMB retailers may offer free food (but not free CMB) and entertainment to its customers. [Subsection (b)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Gift certificates and cards

CMB retailers may sell gift certificates or gift cards that can be subsequently used to purchase CMB. [Ruling approved by the director on Jan. 25, 2005]

Reward programs

CMB retailers may offer customers a “mug club” or other reward program which results in a discount on CMB prices. [Subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Combination pricing

CMB retailers licensed for on-premise sales may offer specials including meals, entertainment and/or drinks of CMB for a single price. [Ruling by the director on July 23, 2012]

Pitchers

CMB retailers licensed for on-premise sales may sell and serve CMB in pitchers containing not more than 64 fluid ounces. [Subsection (b)(3) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Charge different prices for CMB throughout the day

CMB retailers may charge different prices for CMB on the same day. [Subsection (b)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Participation in Common Consumption Areas

CMB on-premise retailers may participate in a common consumption area in the manner provided by K.S.A. 41-2659. [Interpretation of K.S.A. 41-2659]

Prohibited Activities

Sampling on the licensed premises

CMB retailers shall not offer samples or conduct sampling events on their licensed premises. Since the practice is not specifically authorized anywhere in Kansas law, this also applies to suppliers wishing to conduct sampling events on a CMB retailer’s licensed premises. [Interpretation of K.S.A. 41-104]

Private rooms or booths

CMB retailers shall not allow any private rooms or booths on the licensed premises or special event premises unless the business is also licensed as club or drinking establishment pursuant to the Club and Drinking Establishment Act. [Subsection (d) of K.S.A. 41-2704]

Alcoholic liquor

CMB retailers shall not sell to any person or allow any person to possess any alcoholic liquor, except beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume, on the licensed premises or special event premises unless the business is also licensed as club or drinking establishment pursuant to the Club and Drinking Establishment Act, a farm winery licensed pursuant to K.S.A. 41-316 or a producer licensed pursuant to K.S.A. 41-355. [Subsection (g) of K.S.A. 41-2704, as amended by Section 9 of 2022 Senate Bill 2, and subsection (a)(5) and subsection (b) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Sales on credit, tab or barter

CMB retailers shall not sell CMB on credit, passbook (tab), or barter for goods or services. Payment must be made by cash, check or credit card. Any credit card used must be good for purchasing goods or services from at least 100 persons (or businesses) not related to the issuer of the credit card. [K.S.A. 41-2706]

Purchases from distributors

CMB retailers shall not purchase CMB from a distributor on credit; on a passbook; on order on a store; in exchange for any goods, wares or merchandize, in payment for services rendered; or by extension of credit of any kind, type or class. [K.S.A. 41-2707]

Intoxicated persons

CMB retailers shall not permit any intoxicated or drunk persons (owner, employees, patrons, etc.) to remain on the licensed premises or special event premises. [Subsection (a)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Sales to minors

CMB retailers shall not sell CMB to anyone under the age of 21 years. [Subsection (a)(3) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Gambling

CMB retailers shall not permit any gambling on the licensed or special event premises. [Subsection (c)(4) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Mixing of drinks

CMB retailers shall not permit anyone to mix drinks on the licensed or special event premises using materials purchased on the licensed or permitted premises or brought into the licensed or permitted premises for that purpose. [Subsection (a)(4) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

Keg registration act

CMB retailers shall not violate any provision of the Beer and Cereal Malt Beverage Keg Registration Act. [Subsection (a)(6) of K.S.A. 41-2708] Special event CMB retailers’ permit holders are exempt from the provisions of the Beer and Cereal Malt Beverage Keg Registration Act. [Subsection (f) of K.S.A. 41-2703]

Free CMB

CMB retailers shall not offer or serve free CMB to any person. [Subsection (a)(1) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Sales below acquisition cost

CMB retailers shall not serve, sell, or offer to sell CMB to any person at a price less than the acquisition cost of the CMB to the retailer. This prohibition applies to sales of CMB in the original package for consumption off of the licensed premises, as well as sales of CMB by the individual drink for consumption on the licensed premises. [Subsection (a) of K.S.A. 41-2726 and Subsection (a)(2) of K.S.A. 41-2722, respectively]

Unlimited number of drinks

CMB retailers shall not sell, offer or serve to any person an unlimited number of drinks during a set period of time for a fixed price, except at private functions not open to the general public. [Subsection (a)(3) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Drinking games or contests

CMB retailers shall not encourage or permit any game or contest on the licensed premises which involved drinking CMB or the awarding of drinks as prized. [Subsection (a)(4) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Advertising or promotion of prohibited activities

CMB retailers shall not advertise or promote, either on or off the licensed premises, any of the activities prohibited by subsection (a)(1) through (a)(4) above. [Subsection (a)(5) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

Price list

CMB retailers shall not refuse to make available upon request a price list showing the CMB retailer's current prices for all CMB beverages it sells. [Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2722]

To-go drinks

The CMB Act does not address the legality of patrons of an on-premises CMB retailer taking their CMB drink off of the licensed premises. This practice should be controlled by county or city ordinance. The prohibition on alcoholic liquor (spirits, wine and "strong" beer) being taken off of the licensed premises which are also licensed for such beverages under the Club and Drinking Establishment Act are included in subsection (e) of K.A.R. 14-21-12. Also, K.S.A. 41-719 prohibits the consumption of alcoholic liquor (not including CMB) on public and private property except in a few specific situations specified in the statute.

Taxation of Products Sold by CMB Retailers

CMB products and beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume sold by either off-premise or on-premise CMB retailers shall be subject to applicable Kansas retail sales tax. [K.S.A. 79-3602(hhh)]

Administrative Actions for Violations of Statutes

The governing body of the city or county (if the licensed premises is outside the city limits), in which the licensed or permitted premises is located may, with five days’ notice to the CMB retailer or permit holder, revoke or suspend the license or permit for any of the reasons provided in K.S.A. 41-2708(a).

The governing body of the city or county (if the licensed premises is outside the city limits), in which the licensed or permitted premises is located shall, with five days’ notice to the CMB retailer or permit holder, revoke or suspend the license or permit for any of the reasons provided in K.S.A. 41-2708(c).

A CMB retailer or permit holder shall have 20 days after the order of the governing body of a city or the county commission suspending or revoking any CMB license or permit to appeal to the district court in the county where the licensed or special event premises is located. The license or permit shall stay suspended or revoked during the appeal. The district court shall have original jurisdiction over the matter. [Subsection (d) of K.S.A. 41-2708]

The director, or any agent of the director, may issue citations for violations of the Kansas Cereal Malt Beverage Act to any retailer regarding the sale, consumption or possession of beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume, and may impose a civil fine of up to $1000 for such violations upon issuance of a written order and subject to the provisions of the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act. [See K.S.A. 41-2730]

The director may refuse to issue a CMB stamp if an applicant for licensure is not current in the payment of any fines imposed pursuant to the CMB Act, the Liquor Control Act or the Club and Drinking Establishment Act. [See Subsection (e) of K.S.A. 41-2702]

Criminal Prosecution

The county attorney or city attorney may prosecute any person for violation of the CMB Act within their jurisdiction. If found guilty, the person may be fined up to $500 and/or be sentenced to a maximum of up to one year in prison. [K.S.A. 41-2711]

Revised 08/2022