All posts by Andrew Schmitt

Andrew is just a guy that likes beer. You can usually find him on the twitters or spending time with his family.
Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Senate Passes Sunday Liquor Sales 38-28

History Made

Minnesota Senate made history today with a 38-28 vote. The vote would allow, but not require, the sale of liquor, wine, beer and in off-sale establishments in Minnesota. Full language for the bill can be can be found here.

The vote came quickly after the bill passed 7-4 out of Senate Commerce Committee just last week. The Senate debate was not quick. You can watch the entire debate here. The bill passed in a truly bipartisan split. 19 Republicans and 19 Democrats passed Sunday liquor sales out of the Senate 38-28. You can see their votes below.

Sunday Liquor Sales Senate vote 2017

Now What?

There are some minor differences between the House and Senate bills to legalize Sunday liquor sales. Both versions limit the hours of operation to an 8-hour shift. The Senate version begins 11 am, the House version begins at 10 am. The Senate version also precludes merchandising, sales, and delivery. The differences in the bills can either be settled in a conference committee, or one of the legislative bodies may adopt the language of the other. The contentious debate in the Senate might mean that the House adopting Senate language would be the easiest path to Governor Dayton’s desk. Governor Dayton has stated that he would not veto Sunday liquor sales.

When can Minnesota Consumers buy Spirits, Wine, and Beer on a Sunday?

The differences in the bills need to be worked out, and Governor Dayton needs to allow the bill to become law. Once that happens, Sunday liquor sales would go into effect on July 1st, 2017. Freedom and liberty will taste a little sweeter this Independence Day.

Subscribe to the MN Beer Activists newsletter & stay tuned for details on a proper celebration.

Featured, Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Liquor Sales MN Senate Vote Count – #SundaySalesMN

Minnesota Senators need to hear from you!

The House passed a bill repealing the Sunday liquor sales ban. The Senate Commerce Committee approved their version with a recommendation to pass it. On Monday, the full Senate will likely hear the bill to repeal the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor sales in Minnesota. LET’S MAKE SURE MINNESOTA CONSUMERS HAVE THE VOTES!

What to do

  • Call and email your Senator and politely ask them to support Sunday liquor sales. Be polite, and let them know you expect a reply with their position. You can find their contact information below. Click HERE if you are not sure who represents you,
  • Let us know if your Senator is voting to repeal the ban on Sunday liquor sales, or if they are representing special interests.
  • Be sure to be polite. Thank your Senator if they plan on representing their constituents by voting yes.

Sunday Liquor Sales Senate vote 2017

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Newsfeed

Earth Rider Brewery is Coming to Superior

via Press Release

Twin Ports’ brewing pioneer announces new venture

It has been 50 years since Superior, Wis. has had a brewery producing beer for the regional market, when Northern Brewing Company shuttered its doors in 1967. Continuing with their mission to support the re-localization of brewing, Tim Nelson and his company Bev-Craft have announced plans to build Earth Rider Brewing Company to service the Twin Ports, and the South and North Shores of Lake Superior.

The brewery will reside on the north end of Tower Ave., nestled between monolithic grain elevators of Superior’s working harbor, and restaurants and bars of the entertainment district. The location at the foot of the High Bridge (1617 N 3rd Street, formerly the Leamon Mercantile Co) offers easy access from anywhere in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior.

Nelson expects redevelopment of the structure to begin in the spring with the first batch of beer brewed in late summer. Earth Rider’s brewing operations will occupy a 16,300-square-foot facility, with a project budget to exceed $2.5 million in private investment with support from the City of Superior, Superior Choice Credit Union, Wisconsin Business Development, Douglas County Development Association, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Northland Foundation, Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, and APEX.

Earth Rider is the second brewery to be announced by Bev-Craft, with Hoops Brewing in Duluth being the first. Bev-Craft is a brewery-incubator consultancy. Their team includes 22-year industry veteran Nelson along with some of the region’s most decorated brewers, including Frank Kaszuba and Dave Hoops.

The brewery taproom will be the historic Cedar Lounge, which was originally built by the Northern Brewing Company as a tied house in 1912. Renovations to the Cedar were completed in August and it is currently operating as a beer-centric tavern. An outdoor beer garden and event space will provide a lively connection between the brewhouse and the taproom.

Nelson co-founded Minnesota’s fifth craft brewery, Fitger’s Brewhouse, in 1995 and has remained an instrumental figure in the industry ever since. He says the Twin Ports have numerous benefits for brewers including a strong workforce, pristine Lake Superior water, and a growing number of craft beer drinkers.

“The head of the Great Lakes have a strong and growing indie beer culture, the best brewing water anywhere, and several outstanding breweries,” said Nelson. “We’re excited to produce a local product that bolsters the economy and culture.”

Earth Rider Links
Web http://facebook.com/earthriderbeer
Facebook http://facebook.com/earthriderbeer
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/earthriderbeer/
Twitter http://twitter.com/earthriderbeer

Featured, Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Bill to Repeal Minnesota Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales Clears First Big Hurdle

Step 1: Pass House Commerce – Complete

Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) passed an amended bill to repeal Minnesota’s ban on Sunday liquor sales (H.F. 30) through the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday. The bill was amended to limit Sunday hours to 10am – 6pm (a single working shift) and prohibit alcohol products from being delivered on Sundays.

The bill passed 15-4, with dissenters being: – Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL-Minnetonka), Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent).

Step 2: Pass House – Next

The House will need to approve the bill that was passed out of committee. There is a possibility for further amendments, but votes that have been opposed in the past are on board with the current language.

“I think that this issue has been ripe for compromise for years,” said Rep. Laurie Halverson, DFL-Eagan. She voted against the repeal last year on the floor but voted for it in committee Tuesday.
Pioneer Press – January 17, 2017

Step 3: Senate Commerce Hearing – Maybe?

It is typical for a bill to pass through committee before being heard on the floor. Via committee is the traditional path and the one with the greatest odds of success. Senate Commerce Chair Gary Dahms has been noncommittal on a hearing.

State Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, said Tuesday that he, personally, is not a supporter of lifting the ban and was not yet sure whether the committee he chairs — where the Sunday Sales ban would typically be heard — will hold a hearing on the issue.
Pioneer Press – January 17, 2017

Step 4: Senate Floor

Sunday liquor sales could be offered as an amendment on the Senate floor if Sen. Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) won’t hear it in committee. This would not be an ideal path, but the votes may already be there.

“Do I think I have 34 right now? I think I’m pretty close,” said Sen. Dave Osmek, R-Mound. Bills need 34 votes — a majority — to win Senate approval. “There is a culture changing here that we want to let businesses make decisions for themselves…It is a very populist issue.”
Pioneer Press – January 17, 2017

Step 5: A Bill Becomes a Law

Governor Dayton is on record as being unopposed to Sunday liquor sales. He reaffirmed his stance this week.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton said he believes the public wants Sunday sales, and he’s willing to sign the bill or let it become law without his signature.
MPRNews.com – January 17, 2017

How to Help: Contact your legislators.

Click Here To Find Your Legislators 

Connect with Leadership

Senator Paul E. Gazelka (R) District 09
Majority Leader
(651) 296-4875
sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn

Senator Gary H. Dahms (R) District 16
Assistant Majority Leader
(651) 296-8138
sen.gary.dahms@senate.mn

Senator Thomas M. Bakk (DFL) District 03
Minority Leader
(651) 296-8881
Mail Form

Representative Kurt Daudt (R) District: 31A
Speaker of the House
651-296-5364 or 800-710-7642
rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn

Representative Melissa Hortman (DFL) District: 36B
Minority Leader
(651) 296-4280
rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn

Representative Joe Hoppe (R) District: 47B
Chair: Commerce and Regulatory Reform
651-296-5066
rep.joe.hoppe@house.mn

Governor Dayton
(651) 201-3400
Toll Free: 800-657-3717
Mail Form

Get Social

Sign and share the petition to legalize Sunday liquor sales at SundaySalesMN.org

Follow #SundaySalesMN on Facebook & Twitter and invite your friends to do the same.

SundaySalesMN

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

House Speaker Daudt Co-Authors Sunday Liquor Sales Bills

House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) and Representative Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) have introduced legislation to repeal Minnesota’s longstanding ban on off-sale liquor sales on Sundays. The move should come as no surprise. Several legislators made Sunday liquor sales part of their election campaigns. Speaker Daudt has indicated that he thinks a repeal bill could pass the House in the first 30 days of session.

The Bills

The move to modernize the liquor comes as a pair of bills. HF0030 aims at full repeal. HF0031 takes an opt-in / local option approach. Both versions would allow for local control.

The House

The local option approach is likely to resonate with legislators across the aisle from Daudt, as well as within his own caucus. House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman (D-Brooklyn Park) has indicated that she is open to the change and favors local control.

In reality, both bills would allow for local control of Sunday liquor sales. HF0030 would allow municipalities to pass local regulations that are more restrictive than those allowed at the state level. Some could, and likely would, pass noon openings or limited hours. This has always been the case. HF0031 would essentially do the opposite. It would allow municipalities to pass local measures of deregulation. This would also likely result in municipalities with noon openings, limited hours, and full bans still in place.

The Senate

The Minnesota Senate is not as cut and dry as the House of Representatives may appear to be, but there is hope. The large number of new legislators creates a chance for progress on the popular issue. It can be difficult for elected officials to evolve on an issue when they have had a stance several election cycles. New legislators could mean new allies on the issue, but this will only happen if they hear from their constituents. The forces opposed to Sunday liquor sales are probably already whispering in their ears.

New Majority Leader Gazelka (R-Nisswa) has been noncommittal on the issue.

Senator Dahms (R-Rewood Falls) has taken over as the Chair of Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee. The previous Chair was reluctant to give repeal bills committee hearings while he received considerable donations from the opposition. One can hope that Senator Dahms will be more willing to listen to constituents and turn away donations.

The Governor

Governor Dayton has been on record as supporting Sunday liquor sales for a while now. Linden Zakula, his Deputy Chief of Staff, recently reaffirmed his position via Twitter.

How to Help

Contact your legislators.

Click Here To Find Your Legislators 

Connect with Leadership

Senator Paul E. Gazelka (R) District 09
Majority Leader
(651) 296-4875
sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn

Senator Gary H. Dahms (R) District 16
Assistant Majority Leader
(651) 296-8138
sen.gary.dahms@senate.mn

Senator Thomas M. Bakk (DFL) District 03
Minority Leader
(651) 296-8881
Mail Form

Representative Kurt Daudt (R) District: 31A
Speaker of the House
651-296-5364 or 800-710-7642
rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn

Representative Melissa Hortman (DFL) District: 36B
Minority Leader
(651) 296-4280
rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn

Representative Joe Hoppe (R) District: 47B
Chair: Commerce and Regulatory Reform
651-296-5066
rep.joe.hoppe@house.mn

Governor Dayton
(651) 201-3400
Toll Free: 800-657-3717
Mail Form

Get Social

Sign and share the petition to legalize Sunday liquor sales at SundaySalesMN.org

Follow #SundaySalesMN on Facebook & Twitter and invite your friends to do the same.

SundaySalesMN

Newsfeed

Pryes Brewing Announces New Brewery

Minnesota Craft Brewer Begins Construction on Production Facility and Taproom in Minneapolis

Award winning Pryes Brewing Company (pronounced “prize”) has just announced their new production facility and taproom in Minneapolis. After two years of producing beer out of a shared brewing space, this new brewing facility is a big step for this growing local brewer. Pryes Brewing joins the likes of esteemed Minnesota brewers Badger Hill brewing and Bad Weather Brewing as a company that began its journey with an alternating proprietorship at North Loop BrewCo (formerly Lucid Brewing) and then moved into their own facility. Look for the new brewery to open in mid-2017.

The Location

The new Pryes Brewing Co. production brewery and taproom is situated at 1401 West River Rd N, Minneapolis. It sits nearly astride the border of Minneapolis neighborhoods Near North and the insanely popular North Loop. The brewery sits between other renowned Minneapolis brewers Fulton Brewery, Dangerous Man Brewing, and Boom Island Brewing. It is pretty much in the middle the Devil’s Triangle of breweries.

Pryes Brewing Minneapolis
Pryes Brewery Rendering
Those little shadow people need more beards.

“After looking for the perfect brewery location for nearly two years, we are thrilled to open on the banks of the Mississippi River, with a symbol of Minnesota’s brewing history, the Grain Belt Brewery, just upstream.” — Jeremy Pryes, Founder & Head Brewer Pryes Brewing Company.

The team at Pryes Brewing looked for the perfect brewery location for nearly two years. When the opportunity to move into a space overlooking the Mississippi River they could not pass it up. The 13,000 SQ FT space has lots of parking and a beautiful view of the river. The taproom is accessible by bike via the West River Parkway bike trail and by kayak. The brewery wants to take advantage of the new kayak rental program in this area, adjacently located.

More Beer

The new brewery will allow Pryes Brewing to expand their product line. Founder and Head Brewer Jeremy Pryes has built the company around his award-winning IPA. With more time and space to brew Pryes will have much more to offer to Minnesota beer fans both in the new taproom and through expanded retail partnerships. Pryes’ current annual production of 800 barrels will be expanded, and the production could go as high as 20,000 barrels in the new brewery.

We won “best in brew” again!!! People’s choice!!! Thanks to everyone that voted for us!!!

A photo posted by Pryes Brewing Company (@pryesbrewing) on

Food / Games / Music

The new Pryes Brewery and Taproom will have some very unique attributes. Pryes will house a full kitchen within the space to host restaurant pop-ups. That means a temporary space for restaurants to feature dishes at a reasonable cost, offering more than the usual food truck scenario customers are used to experiencing, something the taproom patrons are sorely missing. The brewery will also be home to one of the few (only?) feather bowling alleys in Minnesota. Feather bowling is a cross between curling and bocce ball and can be played indoors year-round.

Facebook.com/PryesBrewing
Twitter.com/PryesBrewing
Instagram.com/PryesBrewing

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

2016 Sunday Liquor Sales Voter’s Guide #SundaySalesMN

Minnesota Beer Activists and SundaySalesMN.org have compiled Minnesota House Candidate & Minnesota Senate Candidate positions on allowing off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales on Sundays. Please share it with your friends and anyone that may find it useful.

To look up your legislative district, click here. You may also jump to the data you want to see by pressing control-F and typing the name, district or keyword you want to find.

Mobile users should click here for the best view

*Some candidates may still intend to submit survey answers or publicly declare their support. We will keep this survey up to date through the upcoming election. If you think there is an error, or your candidate missed our survey they may contact us here.

Legalize Sunday Liquor Sales Minnesota

Newsfeed

Todd Haug Separates from Surly Brewing

Surly Brewing Company’s longtime Head of Brewing Operations, Todd Haug, has resigned his position at the iconic Minnesota brewery.

“I’d like to thank our family, friends, and fans – Surly Nation – for always believing in our vision. It never gets old to hear people tell you how much they enjoy your beer. Omar and I set out with the modest goal to build a brewery so we could create a different kind of craft beer – the kind we wanted to drink – and I think we achieved that.”

 

todd-haug

Todd has a great reputation in the brewing industry. During his time at Surly he collaborated on beers with several other brewers, won numerous awards, kept true to his style-bending way of brewing. Not to mention the fact that he scaled up Surly’s brewing operations from a small facility in Brooklyn Center to the behemoth “Destination Brewery” that now exists in Minneapolis.

Omar Ansari, Founder and President of Surly Brewing says, “Todd has been an incredibly influential part of Surly since the beginning and was instrumental in building the brewery from the ground up, often with his own two hands; brewing, welding, making connections and forming collaborations to establish the irreverent brand it is today. His talent is undeniable, and he will always be a huge part of who we are. He will be missed.”

According to a release from Surly Brewery, Todd is stepping down from his role to pursue other opportunities in the brewing industry. However, he feels the brewery is very capable hands.

“I leave my brewhouses in the extremely capable hands of our co-lead brewers and the innovative brewing team we’ve mentored together. I eagerly look forward to seeing what the next generation of Surly brewers will create,” says Haug. “This is an opportunity for them to take the torch and continue the legacy we’ve been building for 10 years now.”

Related: Surly Brewing on the Minnesota BeerCast