The Minnesota Senate today overwhelmingly approved a compromise liquor bill that makes a number of changes to the state’s liquor laws. 

“This is a fantastic agreement that will benefit small businesses and consumers across the state,” Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) said. “It’s great for breweries, great for cities, and great for tourism. A lot of work went into this compromise, but I am proud of the result. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when stakeholders set aside their differences and work together.”

The bill makes several notable changes to Minnesota law. The state ‘growler cap’ will be raised from 20,000 to 150,000 barrels and small brewers will be able to sell up to 128 ounces of beer per customer per day that could be packaged in any approved container. The bill also allows distilled spirits manufacturers to sell cocktails and operate a cocktail room. These provisions will allow Minnesota breweries and distilleries to sell more of their product directly to consumers.  

The bill also includes the ‘Coleman Act’ which will allow local distributors to fairly compete with national players for distribution rights in Minnesota. The stand-alone ‘Coleman Act’ bill passed the Senate 66-0 on May 5.

Other notable provisions 

• Allowing local wineries that produce apple-based cider to self-distribute cider, up to 2,500 barrels a year, when no wholesaler is available 
• The ‘town ball bill’ which allows cities to issue on-sale liquor licenses to resorts and allows municipalities to issue on-sale malt liquor licenses to town ball baseball teams  
• Allowing the issuing of temporary on-sale licenses for county fairs for more than four days 
• Expansion of the list of items that liquor stores can sell by including citrus fruit and glassware 
• Allowing licensing jurisdictions to issue special permits for serving alcohol through extended hours during a FIFA World Cup