To the editor,
As Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis approaches, I want to pass along some information regarding a law which passed last spring allowing local authorities the discretion to extend bar time to 4 a.m. that weekend.
The extended hours are available to bars pending approval by local liquor licensing jurisdictions, which may be the county or the individual city which licenses liquor operations. If interested, bar/restaurant owners are urged to contact their local liquor licensing authority, which has or will set up a process by which to consider special permit requests for a 4 a.m. bar close Super Bowl weekend.
Below is the specific language that was signed into law, pertaining specifically to Feb. 2-5, 2018.
Sec. 19.
SPECIAL CLOSING TIMES; 2018 SUPER BOWL.
During the 2018 National Football League Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium, licensing jurisdictions that issue on-sale intoxicating liquor licenses under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A, may, at their discretion, issue special permits for service of alcohol through extended hours lasting until 4:00 a.m. each day. This section is subject to the following conditions:
(1) only holders of an existing on-sale intoxicating liquor license or a 3.2 malt liquor license are eligible for later closing hours;
(2) later closing hours apply only during the period from 12:00 p.m. on February 2, 2018, through 4:00 a.m. on February 5, 2018;
(3) local licensing jurisdictions issuing special permits to operate with extended hours during the days listed in clause (2) may charge a fee up to but not to exceed $250 for a permit. In the process of issuing a permit under this section, the licensing jurisdiction may limit approval to specified geographic, zoning, or license classifications within its jurisdiction; and
(4) this section expires at 4:01 a.m. on February 5, 2018.
To reiterate, this applies from noon on Friday, Feb. 2 to 4 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville
-30-