Tag Archives: SundaySalesMN

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

New Poll Shows Sunday Liquor Sales More Popular Than Ever Among Minnesota Voters

A recently released poll from Public Policy Polls (link) shows overwhelming support for Sunday liquor sales from registered voters in Minnesota.

Minnesota voters of all political ideologies believe that Sunday liquor sales should be allowed in the state. Polls show that not only is a repeal of the Sunday liquor ban supported by a majority of voters, but that the issue is gaining momentum.

Voters that Support Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota by percent
Sources:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2015/PPP_Release_MN_80615.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_MN_618.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MN_52313.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MiscellaneousMN_060512.pdf

The growing popularity of Sunday liquor sales proves what we have been saying all summer long as people sign the petition to repeal the ban. With so much backing from people across Minnesota, there will be even more pressure on politicians next year at the Minnesota Capitol to finally pass legislation to lift the outdated ban on Sunday liquor sales.  

In April, both the Minnesota House and Senate failed to pass a bill that would have given liquor stores the option to remaining open on Sundays.  Although both bills were rejected, a law was passed to allow craft breweries to sell beer growlers on Sundays.
Latest polls show there was a 7% increase in overall support from a similar poll conducted in 2014. Republican opinions on the issue of Sunday liquor sales jumped from 52% in 2014 to 60% in 2015.

Minnesotans that identify as Democrats also increased their support for a repeal of the outdated blue law. 69% percent of Minnesota Democrats say they support repealing the prohibition on Sunday off-sale liquor commerce.

The largest increase in support for Sunday sales came from Independent voters in Minnesota. 71% of Independent voters support Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. This is a large jump from 58% the previous year. Overall, Minnesotans increased their support to modernize the blue law by 7%, bringing support to over 67%.


Sunday growler sales from qualifying breweries have been legalized in many cities across the Minnesota, the sky didn’t fall. Over 7,000 Minnesotans have signed the petition at SundaySalesMN.org, and Minnesotans from every single legislative district have signed the petition to repeal the anti-consumer prohibition on Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. Support for repealing the ban on Sunday liquor sales should only continue to grow.

How to contact your Minnesota legislators

http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/

How They Voted in 2015

MN Senate Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
1 Stumpf LeRoy A. DFL N
2 Skoe Rod DFL N
3 Bakk Thomas M. DFL N
4 Eken Kent DFL N
5 Saxhaug Tom DFL N
6 Tomassoni David J. DFL N
7 Reinert Roger J. DFL Y
8 Ingebrigtsen Bill R N
9 Gazelka Paul E. R N
10 Ruud Carrie R N
11 Lourey Tony DFL N
12 Westrom Torrey N. R N
13 Fischbach Michelle L. R excused
14 Pederson John C. R N
15 Brown David M. R N
16 Dahms Gary H. R N
17 Koenen Lyle DFL N
18 Newman Scott J. R Y
19 Sheran Kathy DFL excused
20 Dahle Kevin L. DFL Y
21 Schmit Matt DFL Y
22 Weber Bill R N
23 Hoffman John A. DFL N
23 Rosen Julie A. R N
24 Jensen Vicki DFL N
25 Senjem David H. R Y
26 Nelson Carla J. R Y
27 Sparks Dan DFL N
28 Miller Jeremy R. R Y
29 Anderson Bruce D. R N
30 Kiffmeyer Mary R Y
31 Benson Michelle R. R Y
31 Carlson Jim DFL N
32 Nienow Sean R. R Y
33 Osmek David J. R Y
34 Limmer Warren R N
35 Petersen Branden R Y
37 Johnson Alice M. DFL N
38 Chamberlain Roger C. R excused
39 Housley Karin R Y
40 Eaton Chris A. DFL N
41 Goodwin Barb DFL excused
42 Scalze Bev DFL Y
43 Wiger Charles W. DFL N
44 Bonoff Terri E. DFL Y
45 Rest Ann H. DFL N
46 Latz Ron DFL N
47 Ortman Julianne E. R Y
48 Hann David W. R Y
49 Franzen Melisa DFL Y
50 Wiklund Melissa H. DFL N
52 Metzen James P. DFL N
53 Kent Susan DFL Y
54 Sieben Katie DFL Y
55 Pratt Eric R. R Y
56 Hall Dan D. R Y
57 Clausen Greg D. DFL N
58 Thompson Dave R Y
59 Champion Bobby Joe DFL Y
60 Dziedzic Kari DFL N
61 Dibble D. Scott DFL Y
62 Hayden Jeff DFL N
63 Torres Ray Patricia DFL N
64 Cohen Richard DFL N
65 Pappas Sandra L. DFL Y
66 Marty John DFL Y
67 Hawj Foung DFL Y
MN House Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
01A Fabian Dan R N
01B Kiel Debra R Y
02A Hancock Dave R Y
02B Green Steve R N
03A Dill David DFL N
03B Murphy Mary DFL N
04A Lien Ben DFL Y
04B Marquart Paul DFL N
05A Persell John DFL N
05B Anzelc Tom DFL N
06A Melin Carly DFL N
06B Metsa Jason DFL N
07A Schultz Jennifer DFL N
07B Simonson Erik DFL N
08A Nornes Bud R Y
08B Franson Mary R Y
09A Anderson Mark R Y
09B Kresha Ron R Y
10A Heintzeman Josh R N
10B Lueck Dale R N
11A Sundin Mike DFL N
11B Rarick Jason R N
12A Backer Jeff R N
12B Anderson Paul R N
13A Howe Jeff R
13B O’Driscoll Tim R N
14A Theis Tama R N
14B Knoblach Jim R N
15A Erickson Sondra R N
15B Newberger Jim R Y
16A Swedzinski Chris R N
16B Torkelson Paul R N
17A Miller Tim R Y
17B Baker Dave R N
18A Urdahl Dean R N
18B Gruenhagen Glenn R N
19A Johnson Clark DFL Y
19B Considine, Jr. John (Jack) DFL N
20A Vogel Bob R Y
20B Bly David DFL N
21A Kelly Tim R Y
21B Drazkowski Steve R Y
22A Schomacker Joe R N
22B Hamilton Rod R Y
23A Gunther Bob R N
23B Cornish Tony R N
24A Petersburg John R Y
24B Daniels Brian R Y
25A Quam Duane R N
25B Norton Kim DFL Y
26A Liebling Tina DFL Y
26B Pierson Nels R Y
27A Bennett Peggy R N
27B Poppe Jeanne DFL N
28A Pelowski Jr. Gene DFL N
28B Davids Greg R N
29A McDonald Joe R Y
29B O’Neill Marion R Y
30A Zerwas Nick R Y
30B Lucero Eric R Y
31A Daudt Kurt R Y
31B Hackbarth Tom R N
32A Johnson Brian R N
32B Barrett Bob R N
33A Hertaus Jerry R Y
33B Pugh Cindy R Y
34A Peppin Joyce R Y
34B Smith Dennis R Y
35A Whelan Abigail R Y
35B Scott Peggy R Y
36A Uglem Mark R Y
36B Hortman Melissa DFL N
37A Newton Jerry DFL N
37B Sanders Tim R Y
38A Runbeck Linda R Y
38B Dean Matt R N
39A Dettmer Bob R Y
39B Lohmer Kathy R N
40A Nelson Michael V. DFL N
40B Hilstrom Debra DFL N
41A Bernardy Connie DFL N
41B Laine Carolyn DFL N
42A Yarusso Barb DFL Y
42B Isaacson Jason DFL
43A Fischer Peter DFL N
43B Lillie Leon DFL N
44A Anderson Sarah R Y
44B Applebaum Jon DFL N
45A Carlson Sr. Lyndon DFL Y
45B Freiberg Mike DFL Y
46A Winkler Ryan DFL N
46B Youakim Cheryl DFL N
47A Nash Jim R Y
47B Hoppe Joe R N
48A Selcer Yvonne DFL Y
48B Loon Jenifer R Y
49A Erhardt Ron DFL N
49B Rosenthal Paul DFL Y
50A Slocum Linda DFL N
50B Lenczewski Ann DFL N
51A Masin Sandra DFL N
51B Halverson Laurie DFL N
52A Hansen Rick DFL N
52B Atkins Joe DFL N
53A Ward JoAnn DFL N
53B Fenton Kelly R Y
54A Schoen Dan DFL N
54B McNamara Denny R Y
55A Loonan Bob R Y
55B Albright Tony R Y
56A Christensen Drew R Y
56B Peterson Roz R Y
57A Mack Tara R Y
57B Wills Anna R Y
58A Koznick Jon R Y
58B Garofalo Pat R Y
59A Mullery Joe DFL N
59B Dehn Raymond DFL N
60A Loeffler Diane DFL Y
60B Kahn Phyllis DFL Y
61A Hornstein Frank DFL Y
61B Thissen Paul DFL N
62A Clark Karen DFL N
62B Allen Susan DFL Y
63A Davnie Jim DFL N
63B Wagenius Jean DFL N
64A Murphy Erin DFL N
64B Pinto Dave DFL N
65A Moran Rena DFL N
65B Mariani Carlos DFL N
66A Hausman Alice DFL Y
66B Lesch John DFL N
67A Mahoney Tim DFL N
67B Johnson Sheldon DFL N
Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Minnesota Sunday Growler Sales are Bittersweet

A Celebratory Beer

Some Minnesota craft breweries have started selling growlers on Sundays since the Minnesota legislature passed the 2015 liquor omnibus bill and Governor Dayton signed the bill into law. Several Minnesota cities such as Mongomery, Buffalo, Shakopee, and Goodview all moved swiftly to give their local small brewers and brewpubs the option to sell growlers on Sundays. Today, Minneapolis and Duluth will join the ranks of municipalities that will give qualifying brewers the option to sell, and consumers the choice to buy, growlers of local craft beer on Sundays in Minnesota.

First Sunday growler sale!! Enjoy buddy!

Posted by Hayes’ Public House on Sunday, May 24, 2015

More Equal Than Others

Sadly, several Minnesota craft brewers are now further isolated from brewing brethren. Even before the change brewers like Schell’s, Summit, and Surly couldn’t sell growlers Mon-Sat. The law change clearly illustrates Minnesota laws purposely dividing the Minnesota brewing industry, much like the needless production and distribution restrictions on our award winning brewpubs. A full repeal would have given all Minnesota liquor retailers an equal opportunity while maintaining a (mostly) level playing field.

Excuses and Exceptions

The option to sell growlers is surely a victory for some small brewers and consumers alike. However, the baby step of allowing growlers is bittersweet for many Minnesota consumers. The vast majority of Minnesotans support repealing the ban on Sunday liquor sales, not just some brewpubs and breweries. Sunday growlers was the smallest step that could have been taken down the road toward full repeal. Sunday growlers sales do not benefit liquor stores that want to be open, or consumers of wine or spirits, or Minnesota Craft Distillers. And, Sunday growler sales certainly do not help consumers that don’t live near a qualifying brewery or would rather not pay growler prices.

Many legislators offered excuses for not supporting an amendment. One legislator was afraid of lawsuit,  some legislators cited competition concerns for municipal owned and operated liquor stores, and some legislators wanted statewide repeal instead of the municipal option that Rep. Jenifer Loon’s amendment would have provided.

Strangely enough, Sunday growler sales is now legal in Minnesota, but via the municipal option many cited for avoiding full repeal. Minnesota cities, or governing bodies with jurisdiction, may choose not to allow the Sunday growlers if their leaders don’t like the change. In Saint Paul, retiring longtime City Council member Dave Thune voted against Sunday growler sales.

Next Steps

The change to allow Sunday growlers in Minnesota, if a municipality approves, is certainly a positive step toward full repeal. But, Sunday growler sales is the smallest of steps that the Minnesota Legislature could have taken toward full repeal of the Sunday prohibition on off-sale liquor sales. There is much further to go before Minnesota liquor laws reach a level of parity with most of America and every surrounding state. Maybe by next session a year of consumers driving past liquor stores on Sundays to go breweries will soften the opposition from special interest groups like Teamsters Joint Council 32, Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association, The Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Assoc, and Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association.

The Best way to move legislators to full repeal is with action.
Minnesotans supporting full repeal need to do several things:

  • Sign the petition to allow Sunday liquor sales at SundaySalesMN.org, share it with friends and family.
  • Politely contact legislators regarding their votes on Sunday liquor sales amendments (record below). You can find your legislators contact info here.
  • Vote out legislators that refuse to listen to their constituents.
  • Support legislators that are listening to Minnesota consumers. Volunteer, donate, and take advantage of the Political Contribution Refund. The Political Contribution Refund program gives eligible Minnesota voters a tax refund for contributions to parties and state-level candidates. The maximum annual refund is $50 for an individual or $100 for a married couple (if you file a joint Political Contribution Refund application). Full details and instructions on Political Contribution Refunds here.

How They Voted

MN Senate Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
1 Stumpf LeRoy A. DFL N
2 Skoe Rod DFL N
3 Bakk Thomas M. DFL N
4 Eken Kent DFL N
5 Saxhaug Tom DFL N
6 Tomassoni David J. DFL N
7 Reinert Roger J. DFL Y
8 Ingebrigtsen Bill R N
9 Gazelka Paul E. R N
10 Ruud Carrie R N
11 Lourey Tony DFL N
12 Westrom Torrey N. R N
13 Fischbach Michelle L. R excused
14 Pederson John C. R N
15 Brown David M. R N
16 Dahms Gary H. R N
17 Koenen Lyle DFL N
18 Newman Scott J. R Y
19 Sheran Kathy DFL excused
20 Dahle Kevin L. DFL Y
21 Schmit Matt DFL Y
22 Weber Bill R N
23 Hoffman John A. DFL N
23 Rosen Julie A. R N
24 Jensen Vicki DFL N
25 Senjem David H. R Y
26 Nelson Carla J. R Y
27 Sparks Dan DFL N
28 Miller Jeremy R. R Y
29 Anderson Bruce D. R N
30 Kiffmeyer Mary R Y
31 Benson Michelle R. R Y
31 Carlson Jim DFL N
32 Nienow Sean R. R Y
33 Osmek David J. R Y
34 Limmer Warren R N
35 Petersen Branden R Y
37 Johnson Alice M. DFL N
38 Chamberlain Roger C. R excused
39 Housley Karin R Y
40 Eaton Chris A. DFL N
41 Goodwin Barb DFL excused
42 Scalze Bev DFL Y
43 Wiger Charles W. DFL N
44 Bonoff Terri E. DFL Y
45 Rest Ann H. DFL N
46 Latz Ron DFL N
47 Ortman Julianne E. R Y
48 Hann David W. R Y
49 Franzen Melisa DFL Y
50 Wiklund Melissa H. DFL N
52 Metzen James P. DFL N
53 Kent Susan DFL Y
54 Sieben Katie DFL Y
55 Pratt Eric R. R Y
56 Hall Dan D. R Y
57 Clausen Greg D. DFL N
58 Thompson Dave R Y
59 Champion Bobby Joe DFL Y
60 Dziedzic Kari DFL N
61 Dibble D. Scott DFL Y
62 Hayden Jeff DFL N
63 Torres Ray Patricia DFL N
64 Cohen Richard DFL N
65 Pappas Sandra L. DFL Y
66 Marty John DFL Y
67 Hawj Foung DFL Y
MN House Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
01A Fabian Dan R N
01B Kiel Debra R Y
02A Hancock Dave R Y
02B Green Steve R N
03A Dill David DFL N
03B Murphy Mary DFL N
04A Lien Ben DFL Y
04B Marquart Paul DFL N
05A Persell John DFL N
05B Anzelc Tom DFL N
06A Melin Carly DFL N
06B Metsa Jason DFL N
07A Schultz Jennifer DFL N
07B Simonson Erik DFL N
08A Nornes Bud R Y
08B Franson Mary R Y
09A Anderson Mark R Y
09B Kresha Ron R Y
10A Heintzeman Josh R N
10B Lueck Dale R N
11A Sundin Mike DFL N
11B Rarick Jason R N
12A Backer Jeff R N
12B Anderson Paul R N
13A Howe Jeff R
13B O’Driscoll Tim R N
14A Theis Tama R N
14B Knoblach Jim R N
15A Erickson Sondra R N
15B Newberger Jim R Y
16A Swedzinski Chris R N
16B Torkelson Paul R N
17A Miller Tim R Y
17B Baker Dave R N
18A Urdahl Dean R N
18B Gruenhagen Glenn R N
19A Johnson Clark DFL Y
19B Considine, Jr. John (Jack) DFL N
20A Vogel Bob R Y
20B Bly David DFL N
21A Kelly Tim R Y
21B Drazkowski Steve R Y
22A Schomacker Joe R N
22B Hamilton Rod R Y
23A Gunther Bob R N
23B Cornish Tony R N
24A Petersburg John R Y
24B Daniels Brian R Y
25A Quam Duane R N
25B Norton Kim DFL Y
26A Liebling Tina DFL Y
26B Pierson Nels R Y
27A Bennett Peggy R N
27B Poppe Jeanne DFL N
28A Pelowski Jr. Gene DFL N
28B Davids Greg R N
29A McDonald Joe R Y
29B O’Neill Marion R Y
30A Zerwas Nick R Y
30B Lucero Eric R Y
31A Daudt Kurt R Y
31B Hackbarth Tom R N
32A Johnson Brian R N
32B Barrett Bob R N
33A Hertaus Jerry R Y
33B Pugh Cindy R Y
34A Peppin Joyce R Y
34B Smith Dennis R Y
35A Whelan Abigail R Y
35B Scott Peggy R Y
36A Uglem Mark R Y
36B Hortman Melissa DFL N
37A Newton Jerry DFL N
37B Sanders Tim R Y
38A Runbeck Linda R Y
38B Dean Matt R N
39A Dettmer Bob R Y
39B Lohmer Kathy R N
40A Nelson Michael V. DFL N
40B Hilstrom Debra DFL N
41A Bernardy Connie DFL N
41B Laine Carolyn DFL N
42A Yarusso Barb DFL Y
42B Isaacson Jason DFL
43A Fischer Peter DFL N
43B Lillie Leon DFL N
44A Anderson Sarah R Y
44B Applebaum Jon DFL N
45A Carlson Sr. Lyndon DFL Y
45B Freiberg Mike DFL Y
46A Winkler Ryan DFL N
46B Youakim Cheryl DFL N
47A Nash Jim R Y
47B Hoppe Joe R N
48A Selcer Yvonne DFL Y
48B Loon Jenifer R Y
49A Erhardt Ron DFL N
49B Rosenthal Paul DFL Y
50A Slocum Linda DFL N
50B Lenczewski Ann DFL N
51A Masin Sandra DFL N
51B Halverson Laurie DFL N
52A Hansen Rick DFL N
52B Atkins Joe DFL N
53A Ward JoAnn DFL N
53B Fenton Kelly R Y
54A Schoen Dan DFL N
54B McNamara Denny R Y
55A Loonan Bob R Y
55B Albright Tony R Y
56A Christensen Drew R Y
56B Peterson Roz R Y
57A Mack Tara R Y
57B Wills Anna R Y
58A Koznick Jon R Y
58B Garofalo Pat R Y
59A Mullery Joe DFL N
59B Dehn Raymond DFL N
60A Loeffler Diane DFL Y
60B Kahn Phyllis DFL Y
61A Hornstein Frank DFL Y
61B Thissen Paul DFL N
62A Clark Karen DFL N
62B Allen Susan DFL Y
63A Davnie Jim DFL N
63B Wagenius Jean DFL N
64A Murphy Erin DFL N
64B Pinto Dave DFL N
65A Moran Rena DFL N
65B Mariani Carlos DFL N
66A Hausman Alice DFL Y
66B Lesch John DFL N
67A Mahoney Tim DFL N
67B Johnson Sheldon DFL N
Legislative Events, Newsfeed

MN House Fails to Adopt Sunday Liquor Sales Amendment 57 – 75

MN House Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales

Members of the MN House Voted down Rep. Loon’s amendment to the Omnibus Liquor bill to make Sunday liquor sales a local option. The amendment would have given power to the local governing bodies while banning delivery on Sundays in an attempt to appease Teamster concerns. The vote shows progress, but some House members are still clearly our of touch with the wants of their constituents.

If you want to leave a polite message for your House Rep you can find their contact info here.

The omnibus liquor bill did pass 127 – 4. It includes a few measures of note including Sunday growlers for qualifying brewers, brewpubs at the MN State Fair MN Craft Brewers Guild exhibit, bottle sales at distilleries, and bar service at 8am on Sunday.

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday liquor sales featured on TPT Almanac

Sunday Liquor Sales


The Minnesota House will be taking up the omnibus liquor bill as soon as next week and activists continue to push hard for Sunday liquor sales.
Original Broadcast: 04/24/2015
Length: 4 minutes, 30 seconds.

Vote coming soon

As the video stated, a vote is coming soon in the House and that has been the best path for a bill to allow repeal of the Sunday liquor ban this session. Give your House Reps a polite phone call to let them know this issue is important.
You can find their contact info here.

Related articles across the web

Legislative Events

Omnibus liquor bill up in Minnesota Senate | Sunday liquor sales amendment to be offered

The MN Senate is scheduled to vote on omnibus liquor bill on Thursday

The Senate appears to be in a hurry to vote on their version of the liquor bill. Sunday liquor sales will be introduced as a floor amendment this Thursday. Contact your Senator and ask them to support the Sunday Sales amendment. It is important to be polite, but make sure your Senator knows repealing the ban is important to you.

Click here to find the contact info for your MN Senator (not U.S. Senator)

Governor Dayton supports Sunday sales, Speaker Daudt supports Sunday sales, Minnesotans support the repeal 2 to 1. Hard working Minnesotans deserve to be represented. Make sure your Senator supports retailer choice and consumer freedom. It’s time.

Other ways to help

Make a polite phone call to leadership

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk-
651-296-8881

Senate Minority Leader David Hann
651-296-1749

House Speaker Kurt Daudt-
651-296-5364

Minority Leader Paul Thissen-
651-296-5375

Governor Mark Dayton
651-201-3400

In the Media

Star Tribune:

Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt said Friday that a measure to repeal the state’s ban on Sunday sales is guaranteed to come up on the House floor, and when it does, it has a more significant chance of passing than in previous years.

Minnesota Senate Media Services:

Senator Metzen, “…we will fight Sunday sales amendment on the Senate floor.”

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Run for the Border – SundaySalesMN.org

3 Comments

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)

Link on Facebook

Sunday liquor sales run to Wisconsin

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

2015 Saint Paul City Council Race and Sunday Liquor Sales

1 Comment

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).

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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