Bowing to increased pressure from liquor boutiques and the burgeoning craft brewery and wine businesses, several bills were before the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee Wednesday. Each was held over for possible inclusion in an omnibus liquor bill.
“This is about the consumers and making it easier for them. The more challenging you make it for them to purchase here, it is just another thing for them to worry about,” said Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) who sponsors three of the 10 bills on the day’s agenda.
Her bill (HF70) to allow Sunday sales of growlers by small breweries opened the door to discussion of an all-out repeal of the ban on Sunday over-the-counter liquor sales. Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko) said he couldn’t support the bill as it didn’t go far enough and only benefits the craft brewery business. Testifier Kristen Merritt of Buffalo noted her love for wine and her disappointment with not being able to purchase it on Sunday.
Anderson said she supports Sunday off-sale liquor purchases, but she wants to be prepared if the measure that would allow the change (HF231) doesn’t move forward.
Because of the popularity of craft beers, she said the state is missing out on a tourism opportunity. “We happen to be the magnet; we are fresh ones in the business.”
Her bill would give craft brewers the same opportunity as farm wineries that can sell bottles of wine on Sunday.
The companion, SF623, sponsored by Sen. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth), awaits action by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Bottoms up at 8 a.m.
And speaking of tourism, Cynthia Gerdes, who owns Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis, said that about 40 percent of her customers are from out-of-town, and those stopping in on a Sunday morning for breakfast are surprised they can’t order a Bloody Mary before 10 a.m. By law, liquor can now be sold at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday only.
Rep. Tim Sanders (R-Blaine) sponsors HF1090 that would do away with the 100-year-old prohibition by allowing certain establishments with an on-sale liquor license to begin serving alcohol on Sundays at 8 a.m. The companion, SF1238, sponsored by Sen. James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), awaits action by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Among the other bills heard Wednesday and up for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill:
All companion bills await action in the Senate Commerce Committee.