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Run for the Border – SundaySalesMN.org

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Supporters of ending the ban on Sunday alcohol sales will meet at the Minnesota State Capitol this Sunday (3/15) to send a message to legislators that the time has come to stop sending our money over the borders to Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa; the time has come to end Minnesota’s ban on Sunday alcohol sales.

Meeting at the temporary parking lot on the Capitol Mall, supporters will hear from liquor store owners and craft brewers that are being hurt by this ban. After brief remarks, supporters, unified with custom-made car flags and lights on, will form a caravan to embark on the 19-mile journey to liquor stores in Hudson, Wis., bringing their money with them.

Who: Supporters of ending the ban on Sunday alcohol sales & MN Beer Activists
What: Beer Run to Hudson, WI in Support of Sunday Liquors Sales in Minnesota
Where: The temporary parking lot on the Minnesota State Capitol Mall
When: 1pm This Sunday (3/15)

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Sunday liquor sales run to Wisconsin

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2015 Saint Paul City Council Race and Sunday Liquor Sales

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The 2015 Minnesota legislative session has thus far been a busy one with lawmakers introducing several bills aimed at easing the restrictions on Sunday off-sale liquor sales. Bills include everything from a Sunday sales pilot program, to growlers for qualifying brewers, a local option allowing municipalities to lift the ban, and full repeal.

SundaySalesMN

If legislation supporting a local option to allow individual municipalities to lift the ban on Sunday sales were to pass this session, the future of Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales in the city of Saint Paul will be in the hands of its city council members.

With that in mind we reached out to 21 candidates who have announced their intent to run for city council seats across all seven of Saint Paul’s Council Wards. We asked all of the candidates to respond to the following questions:

1. Minnesota Farm Wineries are allowed to sell bottles of wine on Sundays. Should qualifying local brewers be allowed to sell 64 oz / 750 ml growlers of beer on Sundays?
2. Several bills have been introduced to the 2015 state legislature that may ease or repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales. If the Sunday liquor ban is repealed, would you vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays?

The candidates’ responses are below or follow the links for a specific ward.

Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7

*Editors note: If there are any candidates that would like to be included in this guide or if you find any inaccuracies, please send an email here, we will continue to update this poll as more information is received.

Ward 1

Trahern Crews – Green Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Brewers should be able to sell 64 oz/750 ml growlers on Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes! Saint Paul could use the tax dollars that escape to Wisconsin every Sunday.”

Dai Thao – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, if there is an option to opt out by retailers without penalty.”

Samakab Hussein – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Mohamed Said – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 2

Marit Brock – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, I support Sunday growler sales, and I am proud to see the growth of local breweries in Ward 2 and throughout Saint Paul. I want to make sure that Ward 2 is a great environment for small, family-owned businesses that really make up our American dream, and this includes local brewers in our ward like Bad Weather, Great Waters, Tin Whiskers, Vine Park, and Wabasha Brewing. We should work hard to support our local family-owned businesses and not restrict their business with rules that may no longer fit our times.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, I support the right of Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. I believe that the ban on Sunday sales is outdated and no longer reflects the needs of our communities. Many liquor stores are small businesses, and we should support their efforts to succeed and not restrict their business with rules like a ban on Sunday sales.”

Louis Garcia – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I support brewers, wineries, and businesses that sell their products. The city shouldn’t impose any law that prevents these establishments to serve consumers seven days a week. I’m opposed to this restriction at the state level and will be an advocate to repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“The state should not require or dictate what days of the week a businesses should be open. Each business should be able to decide if they want to keep their establishment open on Sunday. If the ban is repealed I will be an advocate for Saint Paul’s business interest and should the state contradict our interests, I will work at the city level to protect our businesses.”

Cara Martner – Independence Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I certainly believe if Wineries are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays that local qualifying brewers should be allowed to do the same.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Although I am personally disappointed by the amount of effort and focus that goes into fighting the Sunday liquor ban year after year when there are more important issues to focus on for the future of Saint Paul, I agree that each liquor store should be given the right to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Rebecca Noecker – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, absolutely. Maintaining separate standards for wineries and breweries makes no sense and is discriminatory. The exciting interest in local brewing promises to bring much-needed local business to our city, expanding our tax base and making Saint Paul more attractive to young professionals and recent college graduates looking for a place to call home. We should be doing all we can to encourage and support this burgeoning field; imposing a double-standard does exactly the opposite.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes. While I am in favor of repealing the ban on Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales, I believe business owners have the right to decide their operating hours based on what they feel will make most sense for their business.”

Darren Tobolt – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I’m excited by the expanding brewing economy in Saint Paul. I understand that this is an issue for consideration by the state legislature and would require a state law change. If that law were to pass, I would support modifying necessary city ordinances to support the small brewing community. Something I believe we can do under current law is change our ordinance to allow growler sales until 10pm on weeknights, I would like to explore that option to encourage development in Saint Paul.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If the State of Minnesota were to allow Sunday sales, I would certainly be open to easing city ordinances to support all of our small businesses.”

Ward 3

Chris Tolbert – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Minnesota’s current blue laws are out-of-date and bad for our local business owners. The City should take steps to ease these restrictions. In Minnesota we have a booming craft beer industry and we should support these entrepreneurs and give Minnesota consumers the option to buy a growler of their favorite brew on a Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, should the Sunday liquor ban be repealed, I would vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. That decision should be in the hands of the store owners. Any attempt to continue to ban the sale of off-sale liquor in Saint Paul after a repeal of the statewide sunday liquor ban would negatively impact Saint Paul businesses and Saint Paul residents.”

Ward 4

Russ Stark – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes.”

Curtis Stock – Independent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes of course. Politicians cowering to their big contributors crushed this item before. It makes no sense to make a great craft beer community that brings people here then tell patrons and visitors that they can’t take some home to enjoy because it’s Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Again, yes of course. A business should be allowed to decide when they are open for business. On-sale is legal on Sunday and off-sale should be as well.”

Ward 5

David Glass – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. I believe local breweries should have the same options as everyone else we need a fair and equal business environment.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. If elected to the City Council, I would vote to give liquor businesses the same opportunities to operate on Sundays as everyone else.”

Amy Brendmoen – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
Yes.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
Yes.

Ward 6

James Lockwood – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“In more ways than one, Minnesota’s craft brewers and distillers are revitalizing whole neighborhoods and communities and helping to bring new vitality to our cities and state. It only makes sense to bring parity between these artisan industries that are giving the state a national reputation for creativity, quality and livability.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Saint Paul’s residents deserve to be able to shop where they live, whether it’s a Friday, Monday, or Sunday. Additionally, as a city, we can’t afford to see our tax revenues go to neighboring communities because of differing blue laws. Personally, I would like to buy wine on Sunday to go with the dinner I bought on Sunday, so, yes, I would support Sunday liquor sales in Saint Paul.”

Dan Bostrom – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 7

Elliott Nickell – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Saint Paul has many great small craft breweries, and they should be supported. I support craft beer Sunday growler sales.“

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“I support the repeal of the ban. Currently, Minnesota loses out on tax revenue to Wisconsin, because people drive there to buy beer, liquor, or wine on Sundays. As I am writing this, on Super Bowl Sunday, many people are driving to Wisconsin to buy beer. I would support allowing liquor stores to decide whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Jane Prince – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“My answer to both questions is an enthusiastic yes. One of my campaign priorities is to increase our city’s support of locally owned independent businesses, who offer tremendous vitality to the local economy. I am very supportive of removing barriers to the success of local businesses.”

Paul Sawyer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I would like to see this expanded to local brewers. Saint Paul has a thriving brewing industry which should be supported as much as possible.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Should the legislature allow for Sunday sales, I am in favor of allowing liquor stores in Saint Paul to engage in Sunday sales. This option is good for consumers and for businesses.”

John Slade – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, if farm wineries can sell their product on Sundays, local brewers should be able to sell growlers. This is not only justice, but it’s important for promoting local businesses and local production.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If bars are allowed to sell liquor on Sundays, then off-sale should follow suit. There are only two days that most people have off of work, and it makes no sense to keep them from buying wine, beer, and liquor to take home on one of those two days.”

Steve Frazer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Liquor Sales Bills Introduced in Minnesota Legislature

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visit sundaysalesmn.org Sunday Liquor Sales #SundaySalesMN #ItsTime #MnLeg

Lawmakers introduce several bills aimed at easing the restrictions on Sunday off-sale liquor sales.

Sen. Dave Osmek (R -Mound) introduced the first Senate version of a Sunday liquor sales bill, SF58. SF58 would allow off-sale transactions from 12:00pm to 10:00pm on Sundays. Expect another version at some point from long time Sunday sales champion Sen. Roger Reinert (D -Duluth).

Click Here and Take Action!

A six-pack of liquor bills have been introduced in the House. Bills include everything from a Sunday sales pilot program, to growlers for qualifying brewers, a local option, and full repeal. The most appealing of the House bills is likely the bipartisan authored HF115, the full Sunday repeal. Special interest groups have fought growlers as much as a full repeal in the past, they are likely to do so again. Opposition might as well fight full repeal, a bill that serves every Minnesotan. A full repeal bill may also act as a the local option. When Sunday liquor sales are legalized at the state level, cities may still choose to restrict the days and hours of sales, as they already do. Expect at least one more version of a repeal bill from Rep. Jenifer Loon (R -Eden Prairie). Representative Loon has been working hard to repeal the prohibition on Sunday liquor sales for some time.

The Bill

H. F. 115, A bill for an act relating to liquor; permitting off-sale intoxicating liquor sales on Sunday; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 340A.504, subdivision 4.

Description:
Intoxicating liquor off-sale permitted on Sunday.
Authors:
Drazkowski (R -Mazeppa)
Liebling (D -Rochester)
Pugh (R -Chanhassen)
Whelan (R -Anoka)
Lien (D -Moorhead)
Petersburg (R -Waseca)
Lucero (R -Dayton)
Hertaus (R -Greenfield)
Christensen (D -Burnsville)
O’Neill (R -Maple Lake)

Bipartisan Support

The effort to repeal Sunday is supported by both the Democratic Governor Mark Dayton and Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt.

“Commerce is well enough established as seven days and nights a week now, ” Dayton said. “For us to say it doesn’t apply to this or doesn’t apply to that really doesn’t make much sense. There are an increasing number of Minnesotans for which Sunday isn’t a religious holiday.”
– Star Tribune, December 28, 2013

Speaker Daudt went so far as to make it his new year’s resolution.

“In 2015, I want to be able to buy beer on Sundays in Minnesota.”
–Star Tribune, January 4, 2015

Trouble Ahead

However, not everyone supports bringing Minnesota into the modern era. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (D -Cook) has voiced opposition to the repeal of the blue law. A recent article from Star Tribune cites Bakk as supporting the Sunday liquor sales ban on behalf of government run municipal liquor stores.

“Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said he remains opposed to a repeal on behalf of municipal liquor stores….”
– Star Tribune, January 11, 2015

Commerce Committees have always been a sticking point. Regardless of overwhelming support Commerce Committee Chairs are not required to give Sunday sales bills a hearing in their committees, and usually do not. Senate Commerce Chair, Sen Jim Metzen (D -South St. Paul), has never given a full repeal bill a hearing. Let’s hope incoming House Commerce Chair, Rep. Joe Hoppe (R -Chaska) hears the bills.

What Now?

Take action!

Sunday Liquor Sales #SundaySalesMN #ItsTime #MnLeg

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Growler storage becoming annoying? We hear you.

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This article orginally appeared at alcohol by volume on by

Canal Park growlerHow many growlers do you own? Empty ones, I mean, gathering dust and taking up a sad amount of space in your cellar or kitchen? I own about ten, and I have even given some away for silent auctions, or to close friends headed up north, in a take-a-penny, leave-a-penny sort of exchange. I have more growlers than I know what to do with, and I am willing to bet that many of my Minnesotan readers do, too.

My friend Ian Campbell recently posed a question to me, a clear result of this major pet peeve.

“Why won’t our local breweries fill growlers that aren’t their own?” He went on to describe brining Minnesota growlers to sates like Colorado with no questions asked and an easy, cheap fill. Some breweries are quite vocal about this practice, too, such as Wisconsin’s Rush River who claim to fill milk jugs if asked.

Dissent growlers

“But in Minnesota, where we supposedly have this exciting beer scene where all the breweries see themselves as a ‘community’ instead of competitors, I have yet to hear of a single brewery that will fill a growler other than their own.”

It is a great question, and a timely one, too.

Excelsior GrowlerRecent lesiglation pushed through by House Rep Mark Anderson with advisement from Minnesota Beer Activists’ Andrew Schmitt served to clarify vague language about growlers, making it clear to Minnesota breweries that growler-sharing is completely legal. But in fact, it was never illegal: “Growler refilling has always been legal as long as you follow the state and fed requirements,” Andrew explains. “Of course, special interests try to make it as hard as possible. Labels, seals, etc. One of the reasons [House Representative Mark Anderson’s] bill was written was to clarify the regulations. Brewers were being told they could be accused of bottle/label tampering if they filled other’s growlers.”

Other misconceptions exist, too, such as the perception that refilling the bottles is against health code, or that it remains illegal in another roundabout way.

“I would think this would be a no-brainer for breweries…it would increase the amount of beer they can sell, and money they can make, and expand access to their product if they would just fill whatever vessel they were handed. And by law, they can. They simply choose not to. Which just feels like one more arbitrary roadblock in a distribution system already filled with plenty of arbitrary roadblocks to good beer.” Ian is not alone in this thinking, to be sure, but breweries have delineated a multitude of reasons for not filling other breweries’ proprietary growlers.

Freehouse growlers

Ian hit the streets (well, mostly the phone and interwebs) to do a bit of research. While not a comprehensive list, I’m very impressed with the amount of information he unearthed.

Northbound Brewpub was the first phone call. “No” was the immediate answer to our sharing question, citing the issue of brand recognition and quality, an understandable roadblock. “We want all our beer coming out of growlers with our name on it.” Third Street Brewhouse had a similar response.

The brand-new LynLake is not yet filling growlers due to taproom demand and volume. Justin explained that growler fills will begin in a “couple months”, but they plan to pre-fill using proprietary vessels because “it’s easier for us, and it’d be difficult trying to take the growler being traded in and get it back to brewery where it’s from.” Dangerous Man follows the same model, pre-filling all growlers in advance. Hilari also told Ian that cleanliness would be a concern, as did a representative of Town Hall.

On the St. Paul end of things, Tin Whiskers cited “health code issues” for their being against the practice, but indicated this may change in the future. On the other hand, Urban Growler described the practice of “pre-filling them fresh from the fermenter” in hopes that the beer stays fresher longer, and out of convenience. Similarly, Steel Toe fills their growlers on a counterpressure bottling line, according to Brandon, which keeps the beer from getting oxidized too quickly. They indicated considering stainless steel growler fills in the future.

Cambridge growlers

Heading north, Bent Paddle cited not having stickers with compliant labeling. No word on whether this will change. Fitger’s is another no, but in an interesting twist, they are willing to take the growler you have and credit you the deposit. I appreciate that! Interestingly, Lake Superior feels uncomfortable with the law despite Representative Mark Anderson’s clarification. Dan explained that they are “waiting for clarity on the finer points”. However, they do support the practice and are themselves annoyed by obligatory growler-collecting.

In greater Minnesota it’s generally a no-go. This is especially vexatious considering these are the growlers from that road trip that won’t be re-used for years, if ever. Bemidji Brewing Co uses the bottling line for filling, and Jack Pine Brewery of Baxter is uneasy with the law, despite telling MNBA they support sharing. Brau Brothers was another to cite sanitation of the container and the desire to have their logo displyed. Ely’s Boathouse Brewpub, on the other hand, is eagerly awaiting stickers compliant with Minnesota law.

WP_20131108_070

Despite these ligitimate concerns, a handful of Minnesota breweries support or even encourage growler-sharing.

Harriet Brewing will enthusiastically fill any clean growler. Indeed Brewing agrees, with a huge emphasis on clean, explains Tom, laughing. “We have EXACTING standards for cleanliness!” Fair State would love to fill your clean growler or clean it for you, for a fee.  It must be a “classic” growler; they cannot fill any other type of container because they have only been approved to sell that type. Fair State was the only brewery we spoke with to make this distinction.

Evidently, brewery owners don’t think we know how to do dishes! Of course, I’m kidding, but cleanliness and brand recognition were the most commonly cited issues, even from breweries who take ‘em and fill ‘em from all sides. And of course consumers can appreciate this point. What happens when a nucleation site at the bottom of the container sends Town Hall beer out of a Dangerous Man growler like a geyser? Everyone ends up wet and confused.

At the same time, the convenience factor and potential for less environmental impact cause most drinkers to highly favor sharing. Consumers who purchase growlers care about the product and they want fresh beer. Forcing visitors to purchase and store growlers simply makes potential customers less willing to do so.

ABVHaley6

The fine print of common growler use, legally speaking, requires proper labeling. Additionally, the growler must be filled at the time of sale, otherwise it is considered bottling, which explains some of the roadblocks cited during our informal poll. Perhaps this requirement is also a hurdle for some busy establishments that feel unable to keep up in real time. “A brewer may, but is not required to, refill any growler with malt liquor for off-sale at the request of a customer. A brewer refilling a growler must do so at its licensed premises and the growler must be filled at the tap at the time of sale.” Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (abrreviated TTB).

In short, any brewery could slap on a sticker wth the required information: Brewer name or trade name / Place of production – the place of production is the city, and, if necessary for identification, the state / Net contents – show net contents as ½ gallon. You may use “64 ounces” in addition to but not in place of “½ gallon.” / Government warning label. (paraphrased from TTB)

There are huge advantages for breweries that share growlers, the primary one being cost, not to mention consumer satisfaction. Growlers are often in short supply, and many breweries have run out from time to time. This is precisely why Fair State recently encouraged customers to tote their own glassware.

Yet, the barriers remain, so much so that despite the legal status of the practice, it is unlikely that my growler collection will shrink anytime soon.

Huge thanks to Ian Campbell for his great question and dilligent research. Thank you to Andrew Schmitt (well for many things, but especially) for the great background info and resources. And thanks to the local breweries for their willingness to enlighten us on the issue. Keep up the great work!

Further Reading: Federal Regulations / State Statutes / MN Beer Activists work with Rep Anderson

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

2014 Candidate Survey Results

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Where does your candidate stand on issues important to brewers, distillers, and consumers in Minnesota?

 

Minnesota Beer Activists and Minnesota Distillers Guild have compiled House candidate positions on some key issues. Please share it with your friends and anyone that may find it useful.
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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

 

Every major party gubernatorial candidate has expressed support for Sunday alcohol sales.

2014 Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidates

*Some candidates may still intend to submit survey answers. We will keep this survey up to date through the upcoming election. If think there is an error, or your candidate missed our survey they may contact us here.
*Candidate positions that have been supplied via external sources have been linked to whenever possible.

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Minnesota gubernatorial candidates begin to address Sunday liquor sales

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Minnesota gubernatorial candidates begin to address Sunday liquor sales during the first of five gubernatorial debates.

Midway through the debate Minnesota DFL Governor Mark Dayton, Republican Jeff Johnson, and Independence Party candidate Hannah Nicollet all expressed support for allowing Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. Dayton and and Nicollet cited religious diversity and convenience. Johnson, frustrated, blamed the DFL controlled legislature for not passing a Sunday alcohol sales provision during the last biennium, a sentiment that was echoed by Sen. Michelle Bensen on twitter.

The comments on religious diversity made by Dayton and Nicollet might have addressed the reasons Minnesota instituted the Blue Laws, but in recent years the most vocal opposition to repealing our Sunday off-sale prohibition has come from special interest groups.

One thing is certain, the issue of repealing Sunday liquor sales is more popular with Minnesota voters than ever before. Governor Dayton seemed to take a stronger stance than last session when Dayton said he would sign a Sunday sales bill if one made it to his desk. With four more debates left to go his position on Sunday liquor sales could use a bit more definition.

A governor pushing for Sunday liquor sales will help move the issue forward, but a Sunday liquor sales bill doesn’t just materialize on a desk. If an effort to modernize the liquor code is to be successful the bill will likely need to travel through committees in both Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate.

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Sunday liquor sales is a hot topic at the Minnesota State Fair

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During an election year the Minnesota State Fair is unofficially considered the beginning of the political season. At the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” political parties set up booths booths, politicians and political hopefuls make PR appearances, and debates are often held.

Politics at the Minnesota State Fair makes a lot of sense. Where else can you reach so many Minnesotans in one place? Likewise, where else can so many Minnesotans talk to politicians? That is why Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services makes use of the MN State Fair to conduct their annual fair opinion poll. Sunday liquor sales has made several appearances on the House of Representatives poll at the Minnesota State Fair, and it always gets favorable results.

Be sure to swing by the Education Building near Snelling Avenue & Cosgrove Street to take the poll. While you are there you can visit with House Members and see if they represent Minnesota consumers, or if they side with special interests. The Independence Party of Minnesota has been running their own Sunday liquor sales poll at the Minnesota Sate Fair. In 2014 the Independence Party of Minnesota adopted a resolution to support full repeal of Sunday Blue Laws.

The Independence Party booth is situated near Dan Patch and Underwood, not too far from the Grandstand.

Independence Party of Minnesota supports Sundays liquor sales
Photo Credit: Sally Paulsen

Update: Supporters for Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jeff Johnson are also talking Sunday beer sales at the Minnesota State Fair. Johnson has been a vocal supporter of repealing the prohibition on Sunday alcohol sales since early in his campaign. You can find the Johnson for Governor booth on the west side of Underwood, between Wright and Dan Patch Ave.

Jeff Johnson for Governor supports Sunday liquor sales
Photo Credit: @VandykeBrown
Sunday liquor sales is a hot topic at the Minnesota State Fair
Photo Credit: @AngieHasek
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Minnesota Republican Gubernatorial Candidates on Sunday liquor sales

Most of the Minnesota Republican candidates for Governor took part in a debate last week. The debate was moderated by Up & Em hosts Jack Tomczak and Ben Kruse, with help from Rachel Stassen-Berger & Aaron Rupar. Missing from the debate was GOP candidate Marty Siefert.

The debate covered a wide range of topics. We took the liberty of condensing the audio to beer / liquor related questions. You can find the full audio here.

Kurt Zellers said he would sign a bill legalizing Sunday sales, but he also defended his votes against repeal in the past. All the candidates taking part were requested to answer via twitter which #Mnbeer they would buy on Sunday. Jeff Johnson made it point to say he supports a repeal bill, the rest gets a bit comical…

What do you think of the their answers? Let us know in the comments or via social media.