DES MOINES, IA - A legislative proposal aimed at restricting the sale of packaged liquor in convenience stores in Des Moines and other large Iowa cities is likely dead this session at the Iowa Statehouse, the Des Moines Register reports.

Des Moines officials sought the change in order to shrink the growing number of alcohol sale points within the city. It would give city officials discretion to deny liquor licenses to convenience stores that sell gasoline.

Last year, Iowa lawmakers voted to allow such stores to sell alcoholic beverages such as whiskey or vodka, especially desirable in smaller, rural towns that lack substantial retail options. In the meantime, Des Moines officials said the move has spawned more liquor sale points in the city than is necessary.

"Unfortunately, it sounds like it??s dead for this year," said Des Moines City Councilwoman Christine Hensley. "But we??ll want to bring it back, in all likelihood, next legislative session, and this will just give us time to work on it."

In the meantime, Hensley said the council would consider whether to limit liquor licenses, including implementing a moratorium and zoning regulations.