St. Paul, MN- Yesterday, the Minnesota House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee heard twenty-seven proposed liquor bills-authored by Democrats and Republicans- related to licensure and regulation.
“Minnesotans love their craft breweries and distilleries,” said chair Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids). “At this hearing, we’re taking a close look at all of our state’s liquor laws and working to find ways we can improve them. It’s critical we hear from everyone; manufacturers, distributors, and retailers- especially the mom and pop shops- to learn how these measures could impact everyone involved in the liquor industry in our state.”
Some of the changes within the proposed measures would allow licensed alcohol producers to sell or donate products to nonprofits for an event, expand items for-sale at exclusive liquor stores, and eliminate the cap on growler sales for some breweries. A list of the proposed bills can be found on the committee’s website.
“As the liquor industry has changed and grown in our state through recent years, today’s hearing provides the necessary information for legislators and stakeholders as we craft legislation that strengthens our communities, not only economically but culturally and relationally,” said Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL - Eden Prairie), vice chair of the committee. “Whether it’s my legislation concerning wineries, or the others we heard on breweries, distilleries, and general liquor sales, we have the opportunity to shape the future of commerce in this industry to allow for entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Minnesota.”
The 2022 legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 31.
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