A Kansas House committee chairman has outlined a new proposal for phasing in sales of strong beer, wine and liquor in grocery and convenience stores.

Chairman Marvin Kleeb (klehb) unveiled his proposal during a meeting Thursday of his Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee. The panel is considering a bill to allow grocery and convenience stores to sell strong beer, wine and liquor by July 2024.

Kleeb’s plan also phases in such sales by July 2024, but contains additional provisions to prevent existing liquor store owners from losing business before then.

Kansas law currently limits grocery and convenience stores to selling weak beer. National retail chains have pushed for changes, but liquor store owners strongly oppose them.

Kleeb said the committee would debate his plan next week.