Happy hours in, pitcher of margaritas out

July 02, 2012|by Anne Meyer | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — From happy hour to free samples, Kansas has a new set of liquor laws. While the changes provide more options to customers, it also limits large drinks.

Under the new regulations, bars can't sell liquor in quantities larger than four ounces. That means you won't be able to buy a pitcher of margaritas or mojitos anymore.

"Two for ones, three for ones, we can do what ever we want to do, we just cant sell pitchers of margaritas," said Margarita's Cantina Manager Jen Mans.

"You are scared of doing the wrong thing, and getting in trouble with the law because you don't know what to expect because everything is so new," said Miquel Lujano, owner of Felipe's restaurant.

Pitchers of beer are okay, as long as they are under 64 ounces.

But bars and restaurants can now have a happy hour, which means they can offer discounted drink prices to specific groups and at specific times.

"It does give us more flexibility," said Larry Harmon, Owner of Larry Buds in East Wichita. "Its about time the bar owners can now pick and choose what they want to do instead of being mandated."

Happy hour was abolished in 1985, after fears customers would drink too much too fast to get the most for their money.

"We are still going will regulate it and watch after people," Harmon said. "Its not going to be a free for all."

The new laws also allow liquor stores to offer samples of their products on site. But you wont get to try every bottle, expect to see more tastings of certain items instead.

Owners hope the new liquor laws get more customers through the door.

Liquor laws change in Kansas.

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