Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to allow cities of the first class in Minnesota to issue social district licenses, permitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated public areas called social districts. This initiative is designed to foster communal activities in specific urban locations while ensuring responsible alcohol use.

Main Provisions

• Issuance of Social District Licenses: Cities can issue these licenses to holders of on-sale liquor licenses. These licenses allow patrons to consume, but not purchase, alcohol within the defined social districts.

• Designation of Social Districts: Cities must carefully choose and outline the boundaries of social districts. Areas where property owners object to the inclusion cannot be part of these districts.

• Establishing Boundaries: Clear signage must mark the district boundaries, including details about the days and hours when alcohol consumption is allowed, and must inform that any alcoholic beverage must be disposed of before leaving the district unless returning to the original licensed premises.

• Licensee Requirements: On-sale licenseholders at these districts must follow specific rules, including container requirements for alcohol to ensure easy identification and safety (e.g., maximum size, material type, and branding).

• Consumption Rules: Only alcohol purchased from licensed vendors within or adjacent to the district can be consumed there, and disposal of any alcohol is mandatory before exiting the district.

Significant Changes

• Introduction of Social Districts: This bill establishes a new type of communal area where outdoor alcohol consumption is officially allowed under specific conditions.

• Municipal Oversight: Cities need to develop management and maintenance plans for these districts, ensuring public health and safety are prioritized.

• Reporting Requirement: Cities must evaluate the program's impact and report to state legislative committees within two years, focusing on community response, benefits, challenges, and safety concerns.

Relevant Terms

• Social district
• On-sale license
• Alcohol consumption
• City ordinance
• Public safety
• Liquor regulation