If you visited a bar in Kansas on Sunday, it was the first time in nearly 30 years that patrons saw happy hour specials on the menu.
New laws took effect Sunday making a host of changes in the state’s alcohol regulations, including a provision that lets bars and restaurants offer specials on drinks for a few hours at a time.
Kansas abolished happy hour in 1985 by prohibiting bars from changing prices between opening and closing. Lawmakers were concerned that people heading to bars after work for a couple of discounted drinks would consume too much, too quickly.
The Kansas City Star reports the revival of happy-hour promotions is just 1 of the changes. Others include allowing liquor stores and other retailers to serve free samples and to host wine and beer tastings.
But one thing remains unchanged: Kansas grocery stores still cannot sell wine or hard liquor.