HF4776

(begin summary here, using appropriate section headings starting with heading 4)

Purpose

• The measure would let the cities of Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes designate a social district where people can consume alcohol in a defined area. The consumption would be allowed for beverages purchased from an on-sale licensee, but the district would not authorize new alcohol sales or service inside the district beyond what the licensee sells on their own premises. The goal is to provide a controlled, designated space for social drinking while guiding safety and public health.

Main Provisions

• Social district designation and eligibility

  • The cities may issue a social district license to any holder of an on-sale license whose premises is contiguous with the social district.
  • The designated district must be described in an ordinance, include the exact premises where consumption is allowed, and specify the hours and days when consumption may occur.
  • The district may not include land owned or controlled by a person who objects to extending the district to that area.

• Boundaries and signage

  • The social district must be clearly defined, with conspicuous signs showing the district boundaries and the days/hours of allowed consumption.
  • Signs must note the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction and state that beverages purchased for consumption in the district must be used only within the district and disposed of before exiting, unless the person is reentering the same licensed premises.

• Management, maintenance, and public safety

  • The cities must create and post management and maintenance plans for the district, including the boundary rendering and hours/days on their websites.
  • The district must be maintained to protect the health and safety of the public.

• On-sale licensee requirements

  • An on-sale licensee with a social district license may only sell and serve alcoholic beverages on their own licensed premises.
  • The licensee may not allow entry or re-entry into their own premises with an alcoholic beverage that was not sold by that licensee.

• Container and consumption rules

  • Beverages for consumption in the district must be in containers that:
  • Clearly identify the licensee from which the beverage was purchased.
  • Display a logo or mark unique to the social district.
  • Are not made of glass.
  • Display the statement “Drink Responsibly” and “Be 21” in at least 12-point font.
  • Do not hold more than 16 fluid ounces.

• Possession and timing

  • Only alcoholic beverages purchased from an on-sale licensee located in or contiguous to the social district may be possessed and consumed in the district.
  • The beverages must be in containers meeting the specified requirements and consumed only during the designated days and hours.
  • Any alcoholic beverage in a person’s possession must be disposed of before exiting the social district, unless the person is reentering the same licensed premises where it was purchased.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new mechanism for designated social districts within Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes, including a formal process to designate boundaries, hours, and management plans through city ordinances.
• Introduces specific consumption-focused allowances within a defined district, without expanding general alcohol sales or service in the area.
• Adds strict container and signage requirements, disposal rules upon leaving the district, and a requirement that only beverages purchased from local on-sale licensees may be possessed/consumed in the district.
• Ties district operations to public health and safety considerations and requires coordination with local law enforcement.

Relevant Terms - social district - social district license - on-sale licensee - consumption - premises - contiguous - designation - ordinance - boundaries - hours and days - signs - local law enforcement - disposal - be 21 - Drink Responsibly - not glass / non-glass container - 16 fluid ounces - logo / district mark - licensee - objector - health and safety - management and maintenance plans - Moorhead - Dilworth - Detroit Lakes