HF1858 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Social district licenses established relating to alcohol consumption.

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the establishment of social district licenses in Minnesota, allowing for the consumption (but not the sale or service) of alcohol in designated public areas. Key provisions include:

  1. Licensing and Eligibility:

    • Cities may issue social district licenses to existing onsale liquor license holders whose premises are adjacent to a designated social district.
  2. Social District Designation:

    • Cities must designate and describe the premises of the social district.
    • The district cannot include areas where property owners object.
    • The designation must specify days and hours for alcohol consumption.
    • The city must submit a proposed ordinance to the commissioner, who must approve or deny it within 90 days.
    • No social district can be established within 20 miles of an existing one.
    • Cities cannot submit proposals before January 1, 2026.
  3. Boundaries and Signage:

    • Clear signage must indicate the social district boundaries, the enforcement agency, and a statement restricting alcohol consumption to within the district.
    • Alcohol must be disposed of before exiting the district unless reentering the licensed premises where it was purchased.
  4. Management and Maintenance:

    • Cities must create management and maintenance plans to ensure public health and safety.
    • Required information, including boundaries and permitted hours, must be posted on the city's website.
  5. Onsale Licensee Requirements:

    • Licensed businesses can only sell alcohol on their premises.
    • Customers cannot enter or reenter a business with alcohol purchased elsewhere.
    • Alcoholic beverages for consumption in the district must:
      • Clearly identify the selling establishment.
      • Display the social district’s logo.
      • Be non-glass.
      • Have a "Drink Responsibly. Be 21+" label.
      • Not exceed 16 fluid ounces.
  6. Additional Requirements:

    • Only alcohol from approved onsale licensees may be consumed in the social district.
    • Alcohol must be in approved containers and consumed only within designated days and hours.
    • Alcohol must be disposed of before leaving the social district unless returning to the original purchase location.

This bill creates a structured framework for public consumption of alcohol in designated areas, balancing economic opportunities for businesses while maintaining regulations for safety and order.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added