SB211 would stop the sale of flavored malt beverages in grocery and convenience stores. It also would allow for mixed drinks to have a total alcohol content of up to 2.5 ounces, with 1.5 ounces for a primary pour and an additional "flavoring," which encompasses a wide range of flavored spirits, of 1 ounce. The bill would eliminate sidecars - separate shots of an alcohol to increase the potency of a drink.

Some House members argued against the government taking a legal product off the shelves of private businesses and putting them into a government-run store. The move will generate about $2.3 million for the state.

Others argued that protecting minors from the drinks, which they called a gateway drug, outweighed the impact to local businesses.

The bill goes to the governor for approval and he is expected to sign it. He had insisted on the increased pour amounts to help balance the more restrictive move on flavored malt beverages.