Included in the omnibus budget-balancing bill, HF1812, is a provision allowing on-sale licensees in cities within 10 miles of the Xcel Energy Center to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. in conjunction with this year’s Republican National Convention.
During the March 27 House Finance Committee meeting, Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL-Bloomington) wanted to ensure that her community would be included because many delegates are expected to stay in the city, which is close to the 10-mile line.
After Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) suggested making the limit 15 miles, Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) blurted out, “… let’s make it 200.”
Once the laughter subsided slightly, he added, “We’ll all celebrate the Republicans!”