SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, following a bipartisan, bicameral agreement, the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate passed compromise legislation to reform and modernize Minnesota’s liquor laws. Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) voted for the legislation.
“Outdated liquor laws are hindering the growth of Minnesota’s craft breweries and distilleries,” said Rep. Hansen. “We are updating these laws to encourage competition and allow smaller businesses to grow and thrive.”
Under the bill, small breweries will be able to sell more products directly to consumers, including six- and four-packs of beer. The bill allows micro-distilleries to sell spirits in larger 750ml quantities and allows more distilleries to operate cocktail rooms. Currently, breweries including Castle Danger, Surly, Summit, Schell’s, and Fulton are prohibited from selling growlers to-go from their taprooms because they produce more than 20,000 barrels annually. The legislation increases this cap to 150,000.
The bill also:
- Allows municipalities to issue on-sale wine or beer licenses to town baseball teams
- Allows liquor stores to sell limes and glassware
- Allows municipalities the option to issue special on-sale liquor licenses to permit sales during live men’s and women’s World Cup soccer telecasts
- Allows county fairs to sell liquor – if approved by a municipality – for up to seven days
The bill now heads to Governor Walz’s desk for his anticipated signature.