Purpose of the Bill

The bill authorizes the city of Two Harbors in Minnesota to issue a special liquor license for a "social district," an area where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed bars or restaurants.

Main Provisions

• Social District License: Allows existing bars or restaurants with an on-sale liquor license that are adjacent to the social district to offer alcohol for consumption within the district.
• Consumption Regulations: Alcohol can be consumed in the designated area but cannot be sold within the social district itself.
• Designation of Social District: The city must officially designate the boundaries of the social district through local ordinance before issuing any licenses.
• Signage and Enforcement: Boundaries and rules, including valid consumption times and dates, must be clearly marked with signs. There must be information about the local law enforcement agency and rules for disposing of alcohol before leaving the district unless returning to the premises where it was purchased.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill would create a new type of liquor license specific to defined social districts, which is not currently available under Minnesota law. It sets up regulations that pertain to consumption outside traditional venues like bars and restaurants, introducing a system for controlling alcohol consumption in open, public districts.

Management and Maintenance

The city must develop and display a detailed plan for managing and maintaining the social district, ensuring public safety and health standards are upheld.

On-sale Licensee Requirements

• Only alcohol from participating businesses can be consumed in the district.
• Containers must be clearly marked with the selling venue's identification and social district logos, must not be made of glass, must encourage responsible drinking, and have a maximum capacity of 16 ounces.

Additional Requirements

• Alcohol consumption is allowed only during specified days and hours.
• A person must dispose of their drink before leaving the district unless they are reentering the premises where it was purchased.

Reporting

Two years after initiating the social district, the city must report to the state legislature about its impact, including community feedback, operational challenges, public safety issues, and potential legislative adjustments.

Relevant Terms: Social district, liquor license, city ordinance, public consumption, on-sale licensee, alcohol regulations, signage requirements, public safety, management and maintenance, legal reporting.