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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL)

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RELEASE: Rep. Sundin votes for legislation allowing beer and wine with takeout food orders; supports Gov. Walz’s order to expand outdoor recreation opportunities

Friday, April 17, 2020

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House approved legislation to allow restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to sell certain alcoholic beverages with a takeout food order during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Diners can purchase beverages limited to a 750ml bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer in their unopened, original packaging along with their meal.

“This legislation is a step forward to give some hope to small businesses who are experiencing tremendous economic hardship as a result of this pandemic. I hope folks will especially keep supporting the locally-owned restaurants – who are having the hardest time navigating this crisis – and will consider grabbing a six-pack or bottle of wine to go with dinner,” said Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL – Esko), who voted for the legislation. “This bill won’t solve all of the problems our restaurants are facing, but is another example of the bipartisan compromises we’re able to reach – even during a pandemic – when everyone sits down at the table in good faith to come up with a solution.”

Governor Walz indicated he’d sign the bill into law. The Governor also today signed an executive order expanding the list of outdoor recreational activities available during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The changes will allow Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

“I know many Minnesotans are anxious to get outside and enjoy various activities and passions, but it’s important that folks do so safely and responsibly,” Rep. Sundin said. “As an avid outdoorsman myself, I thank Governor Walz for working to find a solution so we can take advantage of the warmer weather on the horizon. If Minnesotans keep it up when it comes to social distancing, we will continue to make progress battling the pandemic, and hopefully other activities and businesses can open sooner rather than later.”

The new outdoor activities are allowed as long participants follow new outdoor recreation guidelines including six-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home.

Businesses allowed to open include:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Minnesotans are encouraged to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence to help protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and limit pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies.