Those attending the Minnesota State Fair this year can enjoy a glass of Minnesota-produced wine if they want, thanks to this year’s omnibus liquor law.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park), the law also authorizes liquor licenses at several locations. Unless otherwise noted, it takes effect April 23, 2010, one day after it was signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Under the changes, the state fair may issue beer licenses directly to concessionaires; previously, Ramsey County was responsible for issuing the licenses. For the first time, the fair will also be allowed to issue licenses for selling wine by the glass, provided that the wine is produced by a Minnesota winery. In addition, the law allows the fair, and not Ramsey County, to authorize the sale of tobacco on the fairgrounds.
The law includes changes that will allow liquor stores to conduct beer- or liquor-tasting events in addition to the already-allowed wine tastings. The law specifies that the event must be no longer than four hours in duration, and sets a number of ground rules for how tastings must be conducted.
Liquor licenses are authorized for several locations under the law, including:
• the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis (pending authorization by the city);
• the University of St. Thomas’ Minneapolis campus;
• the Bemidji Regional Event Center; and
• Bemidji State University, for certain events only.
Insurance requirements for liquor retailers are clarified in the law. The changes incorporate a recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision, Brua v. Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association. An exemption from the requirements is provided for wholesalers who donate wine to an organization for a wine tasting.
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