Purpose of the Bill

The bill focuses on the definition and regulation of "limited malt liquor" and authorizes the issuance of off-sale licenses to food retailers in Minnesota. It amends various sections of existing Minnesota Statutes to incorporate these changes and specifies regulations for sales and licensing.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Terms: Introduces and defines "limited malt liquor" as malt liquor containing between 0.5% and 15% alcohol by weight. It also defines "food retailer" to include a range of establishments from large supermarkets to small corner stores.
• Off-Sale Limited Malt Liquor Licenses: Enables cities and counties to issue off-sale licenses to food retailers for the sale of limited malt liquor. Retailers already licensed to sell intoxicating liquor do not require an additional limited malt liquor license.
• Licensing Procedures: Details the process for cities and counties to notify the state commissioner of new licenses, including submission requirements within ten days of issuance.
• Licensing Fees: Sets fee structures for limited malt liquor licenses, with provisions for revenue sharing between counties and towns.
• Operating Hours and Restrictions: Limits the sale of limited malt liquor to specific hours, prohibiting sales between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM Monday through Saturday and until 10:00 AM on Sundays.
• Insurance and Refunds: Provides exemptions for certain licensees from mandatory insurance coverage and outlines conditions under which a pro-rata refund of license fees might be granted.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill amends several sections of existing statutes to include provisions for limited malt liquor, such as adjusting disqualifiers for retail licenses, defining conditions under which wholesalers may operate, and setting sales restrictions similar to existing liquor regulations.
• The legislation allows for the first-time off-sale of limited malt liquor by food retailers, which marks a notable expansion in the ability of various types of retailers to sell alcoholic beverages.

Relevant Terms

limited malt liquor, off-sale licenses, food retailer, licensing fees, alcohol regulations, sales restrictions, intoxicating liquor, malt beverage, retail license.