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Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Special Interests and Crony Politics Stop Sunday Growler Sales for Minnesota Brewers

The initiative to legalize Sunday liquor sales, a perennial issue at the Minnesota legislature, has once again met defeat at the hands of Minnesota lawmakers. Advocates for repeal tried a different approach for this year by offering a an array of bills ranging from full repeal to growler (64oz jugs) sales at qualifying small Minnesota breweries and brewpubs.

Sunday growler sales were adopted by both House and Senate Commerce Committees with little discussion. It appeared there would be some small progress toward Sunday liquor sales. Then, having taken no part in the public process, lobbyists for the  powerful Joint Council 32 Teamsters Union stepped in. (Read)

Former Teamster and Senate Tax Committee Chairman Sen. Rod Skoe (D-Clearwater), pulled the bill into the Senate Tax committee. The tax hearing, which had exceptionally short notice to the public, lasted less than 5 minutes and resulted in a the Senate version of the liquor bill without growlers. The full Senate added the Sunday growler provision back to the bill the very next day only to have the bill’s author, Sen Jim Metzen (D-South St. Paul), table the bill. (Read)

Faced with a liquor bill that contained several politically important provisions, including beer sales at TCF Stadium, House author Rep. Joe Atkins (D-Inver Grove Heights) took the controversial step of amended a gambling amendment. The gambling (now liquor bill) amendment included all the previously approved liquor provisions except Sunday growlers. But, because of House rules no amendments further could be offered. (Read) Rep Atkins tried to justify the unusual procedures by shifting blame to the Senate. In reality the Senate passed a liquor bill with Sunday growlers provisions, and with bipartisan support. (Video)

The un-amendable liquor bill put members of the House in an awkward situation. Representatives were left with no opportunity to discuss or amend the bill on behalf of their constituents. After much discussion about rules and procedures members voted to accept the now gambling/liquor omnibus bill as it was presented, without Sunday growler sales.

“The public’s voice was silenced today. The process utilized to bring the Omnibus Liquor bill forward lacked transparency and prohibited the ability of any member to offer an amendment on liquor issues—even though Minnesotans overwhelmingly support Sunday growler sales,” said Rep. Loon, a staunch supporter of changing the state’s outdated liquor laws. “By excluding the growler sales provision, House DFL leaders are hampering entrepreneurial activity, keeping businesses and their jobs from growing in our state.”

The new House version of the omnibus liquor bill was sent to the Senate where it passed. From there it went to Governor Dayton for a signature. Governor Dayton signed it into law earlier this week.

In a press conference last week. Sen Reinert said Sunday liquor sales is now a campaign issue. House Deputy Minority Leader Loon agreed, and a recent editorial in the Post Bulletin (Read) certainly echoes the sentiment.

No doubt Minnesotans across the state are angry. The crony politics that kept Sunday growlers, a very small Sunday liquor sales compromise, from passing have shown opposition isn’t really concerned with Mom & Pop stores after all.

The real tragedy is that Minnesota politicians that voted against Sunday growlers also voted to stifle a growing a industry. The craft brewing industry in Minnesota now accounts for some 8,000 jobs and $80 million in revenue. What could have been one of the best examples of Governor Dayton’s “Unsession” turned into a sad display politics as usual.

Thankfully Minnesota craft brewers aren’t done fighting.

“Allowing Sunday growler sales is an opportunity to help small Minnesota businesses grow,” said Jamie MacFarlane of Castle Danger Brewery. She continued, “We will miss out on Sunday growler sales this tourist season, along with all the other breweries who rely on those tourists returning home to share great beer with their friends and families. We are committed to making Sunday growlers a reality for Minnesota craft beer fans.”

To stay up on this and other topics make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter or RSS-feed and look for a voter guide coming early in the fall via SundaySalesMN.org

Featured, Newsfeed

2nd Brunch – World Street Kitchen & Republic 7 Corners – #2ndBrunch

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#2ndBrunch is a restaurant, food, and lifestyle show that focuses on having one brunch, some cocktails, then another brunch. Lindsay Abraham and Kelli Beaudry will host and guide viewers on a journey to different restaurants that provide brunch every Sunday. They will interview chefs, bartenders, local celebrities and personalities, and of course, enjoy the delicious food and fine libations.

This episode features The World Street Kitchen and Republic 7 Corners in Minneapolis, MN

Follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/2ndBrunch) and Find us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/2ndBrunch)

Here’s the clip that inspired our cold open.

Special Thanks to:
World Street Kitchen
Republic
Sameh Wadi
Maria Zarkha
Lorin Zinter
HeyDay Mpls
Sarah Meyer
Frank Haataja
Ruben

For more of Ruben’s music, visit http://www.rubentheband.com

2014 Beaudry Filmworks Inc

Newsfeed

World Beer Cup honors several Minnesota beers

The Brewers Association (BA) has announced the results of one of the largest commercial beer competitions, the 2014 World Beer Cup Awards. The awards were presented at the conclusion of Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® in Denver, Colorado this past weekend.

Several Minnesota craft brewers attended the Expo and took part in the massive competition. Over 4,700 total beers were entered. Each category had an average of 50 entries. Not surprisingly American IPA was the most popular category, followed by American-Pale Ale, then Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer.

Minnesota brewers took home some impressive hardware from the World Beer Cup competition. Steel Toe Brewing snagged a Gold for their Scotch Ale. August Schell took top spot for Vienna-Style Lager with Firebrick. Schell’s was one of only 26 breweries to bring home two awards, they also won Bronze for Framboise du Nord. Silver awards went to Summit Brewing for Extra Pale Ale, and Canal Park Brewing for Nut Hatchet Nut Brown Ale, and Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub for Snownami Chocolate/Raspberry Imperial Stout.

Category 7: Chocolate Beer, 51 Entries
Silver: Snownami Chocolate/Raspberry Imperial Stout, Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub, Minneapolis, MN

Category 35: Vienna-Style Lager, 39 Entries
Gold: Schell’s Firebrick, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN

Category 49: German-Style Sour Ale, 40 Entries
Bronze: Schell’s Framboise du Nord, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN

Category 68: Classic English-Style Pale Ale, 30 Entries
Silver: Extra Pale Ale, Summit Brewing Co., Saint Paul, MN

Category 72: English-Style Brown Ale, 49 Entries
Silver: Nut Hatchet Nut Brown, Canal Park Brewing Co., Duluth, MN

Category 77: Scotch Ale, 47 Entries
Gold: Wee Heavy, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN

A full list of competition winners can be found here.

World Beer Cup 2014
Photos © Brewers Association
Newsfeed

Introducing Bauhaus Brew Labs

A new destination brewery/taproom is opening in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis’ Brew District. At Bauhaus Brew Labs, beer fans will be able to enjoy uniquely crafted, German-inspired beers with a focus on lagers – lighter brews that don’t rely on heaviness for flavor. With these sessionable beers, Bauhaus is looking to become not just another taproom, but a gathering place for friends and family to share stories, ideas, revelry and excitement.

Bauhaus itself is truly a family endeavor, built slowly over years of laughter-filled weekends and holidays full of beers brewed specifically for each occasion. In the fall of 2012, Bauhaus’ founding family made the decision to share their world with others. The company took shape after embracing the tenets of the Bauhaus movement of early 20th-century Germany: blurring the line between work and play while celebrating the joy of art and craft in everyday life.

Focusing on brewing flavorful, intriguing, “forward-drinking” beers, Bauhaus crafts imaginative and unexpected interpretations of iconic beer styles with a primary focus on lagers. President and Head Brewer Matt Schwandt explains, “A lot of the craft lagers available today are very traditional. Bauhaus is looking beyond tradition to reimagine classic lager styles and give them new life. We want to expose beer fans to a whole new kind of lager beer.” With the help of Helms Workshop out of Austin, TX, the Bauhaus visual identity also looks beyond tradition in craft beer.
BauHaus Brewlabs Cans
Among Bauhaus’ core offerings are Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner, Wagon Party West Cöast Style Lager and Stargrazer German Style Schwarzbier. Rounding out Bauhaus’ initial lineup is Sky-Five! Midwest Cöast IPA, a full-flavored ale that fuses German and British base malts with experimental hop varieties from around the globe. This rambunctious bunch of beers is the result of intense creativity and an exacting scientific approach that Bauhaus has developed over the years.

The brewery’s 2,000-square-foot taproom, with a future patio area of equal size, will be more than just a place that pours Bauhaus beer. “We’re building a taproom filled with energy and excitement,” says Vice President Lydia Haines. “One night, you might find three of the founders rocking on stage in the Haus band, Viva Knievel, or random strangers coming together on a Rick Astley duet during karaoke night.” Haines adds, “We also want beer fans to be a part of creating the space that they play in, to be involved every step of the way. There will be a big opportunity to do that in the coming weeks.”

In addition to its taproom and future patio, the company has its eyes on production and distribution. “The four Bauhaus core beers will be available to bars and restaurants right out of the gate,” says Schwandt. “We’ll be rolling out twelve-ounce cans around mid-summer.”

“Our brewery is really just an extension of who we are and all the things we love to do as a family,” Schwandt adds. “We’re proud and excited to open our doors, share our work and watch it become your brewery as well.”

Website: http://bauhausbrewlabs.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bauhausbrewlabs
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bauhausbrewlabs
Instagram: bauhausbrewlabs


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Brewing is Booming in Saint Paul

City of Saint Paul Communications Services has released a video focusing on Saint Paul’s existing and growing craft beer scene.

Featured in the video are Great Waters, Summit, Tin Whiskers, Burning Brothers, and Urban Growler. Joe Alton, from The Growler Magazine even makes an appearance. Bang Brewing and Flat Earth must have been busy the day they were filming. Maybe they will be included in the next video along with a few craft distillers like 11 Wells.

The economic climate in Saint Paul is just a nice as NE Minneapolis. A growing number of craft brewers agree, the weather isn’t bad at all.

If you are considering opening a brewery contact the City of Saint Paul’s Planning and Economic Development Department at 651-266-6605.

Newsfeed

Looking for a Lyft in Minneapolis?

pink-moustache-lyft-deal-300x137Lyft, a ridesharing service based in San Francisco, began operating in Minneapolis last Thursday amid some push back from the city regarding potential licensing requirements. Lyft has experienced similar obstacles with other cities, including St Paul when they launched there last fall. Their business model involves a network of drivers and riders that utilize an app available for your iPhone or Android device. The driver may be compensated in the form of a requested donation notification that appears on your phone once the ride is complete.

My first experience with Lyft was on the Saturday before last Halloween. I spent the night with my wife and in-laws bar hopping through Lowertown St Paul. We closed down the bars and spent 45 minutes waiting for our cab to arrive. Just as we were about to call another cab, I remembered that I had downloaded an app for a new ride service. When I opened the Lyft app, it asked if I wanted to “Request a Lyft” and showed me the nearest driver. After choosing my driver, I received a phone call from him verifying our address. In five minutes, he arrived in a shiny black Audi A4 and invited me to sit up front. On the ride home, we talked about cars and our driver made sure that the temperature was comfortable for all the passengers. We arrived home safe and, upon entering the house, I received a notification on my phone requesting a suggested donation and the ability to tip and rate our driver. I was officially sold! I suggest Lyft to everyone I meet.

Some Minneapolis city officials have taken issue with Lyft’s business description and contend that they are a “taxi service” and should be bound to all licensing requirements as such. However, Lyft’s unique donation model and user review system could actually make it better than a taxi, and their background requirements might make them safer than taxis, too. Lyft has responded by “offering free rides for the next two weeks to all new app downloaders.” and a petition was started to “welcome ridesharing to Minneapolis”: http://chn.ge/1fuxKte