Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

State's growing craft beer industry could be highlight of omnibus liquor bill

House Photography file photo
Why stop with only allowing the sale of growlers on Sunday? Why not open the door all the way and permit the sale of beer and spirits as well? And while we’re at it, let’s change the on sale law to allow the purchase of alcohol at 8 a.m. on Sunday instead of the current 10 a.m.

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:

  • HF520/SF1026, sponsored by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Mpls), would level the playing field between urban and farm wineries, making it easier for them to sell their product;
  • HF1044/SF1024, sponsored by Anderson and Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), would repeal the statue limiting municipalities from issuing more than one off-sale liquor license per person;
  • HF1118/SF1065, sponsored by Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) and Senate President Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), would make it easier for brewpubs to distribute their products at the Minnesota State Fair; and
  • HF1399/SF1131, sponsored by Anderson and Pappas, would permit liquor stores to transfer liquor between stores owned by the same licensee.

 All companion bills await action in the Senate Commerce Committee.


Related Articles


Priority Dailies

Minnesota’s projected budget surplus balloons to $3.7 billion, but fiscal pressure still looms
(House Photography file photo) Just as Minnesota has experienced a warmer winter than usual, so has the state’s budget outlook warmed over the past few months. On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget...
Legislative leaders announce 2024 committee deadlines
(House Photography file photo) Legislators and the public officially know the timeline for getting bills through the House committee process during the upcoming 2024 session. Here are the two deadlines fo...

Minnesota House on Twitter