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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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BILL TO ALLOW BEER SALES AT TCF BANK STADIUM PASSES HOUSE
(ST. PAUL) — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on the Omnibus Liquor Bill. The bill includes a bipartisan compromise that allows beer to be sold at TCF Bank Stadium. The deal, if accepted by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, is estimated to bring in an additional $1.5-$2 million to the University each year. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, 115-13.
Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights) is the chief author of the bill in the House and led the bill through the process.
“It’s a great relief to finally get this done," said Rep. Atkins. “After all the disagreements, we’ve finally managed to get a bipartisan compromise that both the University and the legislature can get behind.”
Atkins's compromise would allow beer to be sold in the suites as well as to the general public in a beer garden area in the stadium.
The deal would bring a long-standing feud between the U and the Minnesota Legislature to an end. When TCF Stadium was originally built, the U planned to serve beer only to fans in the stadium's suites. Upon learning this, the legislature placed a restriction on the U's liquor license, requiring that beer be available to the general public as well. University officials opted not to go forward with any beer sales, costing the U an estimated $1.5 - $2 million annually.
Rep. Atkins also managed to include a provision in the conference committee report that would require sales of alcohol at TCF Bank Stadium to comply with a state law requiring at least one Minnesota-brewed beer to be sold along with other beer at publicly-owned facilities.
“This gives us a great way to support our Minnesota brewers who invest in our state and employees Minnesotans,” said Rep. Atkins. “Luckily for us, our local brewers also make some great beer.”
With the bill’s passage in the Senate on Friday, it will now be presented to Governor Dayton.
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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