Kansas lawmakers vote to allow bars and restaurants to serve drinks at 6 a.m. 

Kansas lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow residents to order alcohol at restaurants and bars beginning at 6 a.m.

The Kansas City Star reported that the new law will allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol three hours earlier than the current law.

The push from the restaurant and beverage industry comes along with the growing popularity of weekend brunch outings.

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It will also benefit the shift workers who will finish their work day earlier in the morning, supporters said. 

“When they get off work, it’s time for them to have dinner and a drink and this will help with that,” said Philip Bradley, a lobbyist for the Kansas Licensed Beverage Association.

Opponents argued that the new law could encourage overnight shift workers to drink early in the morning at the same time that children are heading to school.

State Rep. Eric Smith (R) told The Star that he was worried about workers heading home “after a few shots of tequila.”

“Meanwhile, our children will be standing by the streets on the curb next to the highways,” Smith said.

The bill also legalizes self-serve beer dispensers at restaurants and bars. Automated wine dispensers are already legal.

The House approved the measure in a 94 to 28 vote on Tuesday, one day after it passed in the Senate. 

Gov. Jeff Colyer (R) has not indicated whether he will sign the measure into law.