Despite not working in the beverage industry, Andrew Schmitt has had a hand in changing it for every citizen in the state. As a result of his efforts, Minnesotans will experience a brand new phenomenon this weekend—buying alcohol on a Sunday. Schmitt (or “Schmitty” as he’s often affectionately referred to in the industry) was there, sitting in … [ Read more]
Gov. Dayton signs Sunday liquor sales bill into law
March 7, 2017 by
It’s official—beginning July 2, 2017, Minnesota’s ban on Sunday liquor sales will be a thing of the past. Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill into law today that removes the Prohibition-era ban and gives liquor retailers the option of being open on Sundays. The bill passed through the legislature with bipartisan support, gaining approval from … [ Read more]
Minnesota Senate approves Sunday liquor sales; bill likely heading to conference committee
February 27, 2017 by
By a vote of 38-28, the Minnesota Senate today passed a bill to lift the Prohibition-era ban on Sunday liquor sales. However, due to a discrepancy between the Senate bill and the one passed by the House of Representatives last week, the legislation is now likely headed for a conference committee where lawmakers from both legislative bodies will … [ Read more]
Sunday liquor sales headed to Senate floor for vote on Monday
February 24, 2017 by
The Minnesota Senate will vote on a bill that would lift the state’s ban on Sunday liquor sales this Monday, Feb. 27, at 11am. The bill’s chief author, Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), said he expects it to pass. “I wouldn’t bring it to the floor if I didn’t think it has the votes to pass,” … [ Read more]
Sunday sales bill approved by Senate Commerce Committee, headed for floor vote
February 23, 2017 by
Sunday liquor sales took another step forward on Wednesday as the Senate Commerce Committee voted 7–4 in favor a bill aimed at lifting the Prohibition-era ban. The bill will now head to the Senate floor for a vote. While a date for the vote has not been set, it’s expected to take place in the coming week … [ Read more]
Sunday sales approved by Minnesota House of Representatives
February 20, 2017 by
For the first time since the decades-old ban went into effect, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow Sunday liquor sales in the state. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 85–45, would allow liquor stores to be open between 10am–6pm and prohibit the delivery of alcohol to off-sale retailers … [ Read more]
Questions about the 2017 legislative session? Ask the Minnesota Beer Activists
January 4, 2017 by
As the 2017 Minnesota legislative session gets underway, The Growler is working with Minnesota Beer Activists to answer your questions about the upcoming session as they relate to liquor laws in the state. Minnesota Beer Activists was founded in 2011 with a mission to “represent consumers’ interests through active engagement in education, legislation, and community … [ Read more]
LTD Brewing makes beer to protest Sunday liquor sale ban
April 5, 2016 by
LTD Brewing is taking a stand against the ban on Sunday liquor sales today by doing what they do best: brewing a beer. LTD, Senator David Osmek, representatives of Sunday Sales Minnesota, and members of the public supportive of the cause are brewing the limited-edition Sunday Sales Pale Ale today in an effort to “raise awareness … [ Read more]
Update: The Sunday Growler Sales Race Is On
May 19, 2015 by
Updated: June 1, 2015 Cities across the state of Minnesota are updating their ordinances to allow Sunday growler sales following a law change at the state level that permits them pending local approval. Below is a chronological list of effective dates for Sunday growler sales in individual cities. Check brewery websites and social media channels … [ Read more]
The Mill: Tandem Brewing and UV Resistance
July 8, 2014 by
The Mill is running a little slow this week. We’re still a little groggy from the all the sun, brats and brews over the holiday weekend. But we have good things to look forward to: Sisyphus opening, breweries collaborating, and one of our favorite festivals is just around the corner. Do you have any beer … [ Read more]
Omnibus 2014: How Minnesota’s new laws affect craft brewers
May 30, 2014 by
By John Garland The state’s newest liquor laws have been in effect for two weeks. Previously, we talked to local distillers about their plans for cocktail rooms. This week, we decided to dig a little deeper into the provisions that affect brewers—namely, the ability for brewery taprooms to operate on Sundays and fill any growler … [ Read more]
Omnibus 2014: Distillers React
May 22, 2014 by
By John Garland So the Sunday growler sales provision died a sudden, Teamster-related death, but Governor Dayton signed the rest of the bill back on Tuesday the 13th. And while the Sunday sales (sorry, #sundaysales) fight will continue into the next session, S.F. 2336 will affect other local beverage operations, most notably ushering in a nice step … [ Read more]
