This general election, Rooks County residents will have a chance to weigh in on updating the county’s longstanding liquor by the drink regulation. Since 1987, Kansas counties have had the option to opt out of a rule, known as the “30% Food Rule,” which requires businesses to earn a minimum of 30% of their gross receipts from food sales in order to serve liquor by the drink. Forty-seven counties have already opted out by instituting a "0% Food Rule" as of January 2024.
As a semi-dry county, Rooks County currently mandates that any business selling liquor by the drink must derive at least 30% of its revenue from food. However, on Tuesday, November 5, voters will now decide: “Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Rooks County be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross receipts be from sales of food?”
I urge everyone to vote YES on the proposal to allow the sale of liquor by the drink without the burdensome food sales requirement.
For too long, Rooks County has limited the potential for new and diverse businesses to thrive. By eliminating the mandate that establishments serving liquor must derive at least 30% of their revenue from food, we can align ourselves with the Kansas counties that have already embraced this modernization, including three neighboring counties - Ellis, Phillips, and Graham. This change will provide local entrepreneurs the flexibility to explore a range of business models, from sports bars to breweries, cocktail lounges to distilleries, and more. Personally, as the owner of Letha's Events in Downtown Plainville, I would love to be able to provide bartending services at public events in our recently renovated space, without the need to offer a complete food menu as well.
Imagine the economic benefits as new establishments open their doors, filling vacant spaces and attracting visitors from neighboring communities. The potential for growth is significant, and by voting YES, we can remove the red tape that has held us back.
Let’s make Rooks County a vibrant place for both residents and visitors. Vote YES to modernize our liquor by the drink law and pave the way for economic development and greater choice in our community.
Sincerely,
Ashley Comeau
Rooks County Resident