SF198

SF198 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Limited malt liquor and food retailer definition and off-sale limited malt liquor licenses issuance authorization

Related bill: HF2202

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 198 amends and introduces laws concerning the sale of limited malt liquor in Minnesota. It defines limited malt liquor and food retailers and sets regulations for issuing off-sale licenses to food retailers, enabling them to sell malt liquor with varying alcohol content. The bill also details eligibility criteria for obtaining a license, including age restrictions, moral character, and prior convictions related to liquor or marijuana offenses. Additionally, it specifies operational rules, such as sales hours and prohibits the dilution or tampering of malt liquor contents. Further adjustments are made regarding the linkage between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to prevent conflicts of interest. The proposed changes aim to refine the licensing process, compliance, and operational standards for those involved in the sale of limited malt liquor in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 15, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 15, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Commerce and Consumer Protection

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that persons licensed to sell limited malt liquor are also not subject to the food licensing law."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the applicability of the Minnesota consolidated food licensing law to persons selling liquor under section 28A.16.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "28A.16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines limited malt liquor as containing between 0.5% and 15% alcohol by weight."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies the definitions related to low-alcohol and limited malt liquor under section 340A.101 subdivision 15a.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of low-alcohol malt beverage labeling requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.101 subdivision 15a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Conditions under which manufacturers or wholesalers can retain property for retail sales."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill details interest restrictions in other business for license holders under section 340A.301 subdivision 8.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies interest restrictions for brewers, importers, and winery-related wholesalers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.301 subdivision 8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Disqualifiers related to cannabis-related convictions and interests in manufacturers."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill specifies disqualifications for retail liquor licenses under section 340A.402 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "340A.402 subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill outlines the process for liquor license fee increases under section 340A.408 subdivision 3a.",
      "modified": [
        "Added references for notice and hearing requirements before increasing fees."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.408 subdivision 3a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill describes conditions for license fee refunds under section 340A.408 subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of refundable conditions related to various disruptions in business operations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.408 subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exemption conditions for limited malt liquor licensees with low sales volume."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill discusses exceptions to insurance requirements for certain licensees under section 340A.409 subdivision 4.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "340A.409 subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill mandates inclusion of summons copies in license applications under section 340A.410 subdivision 8.",
      "modified": [
        "Requires summons copies for all types of liquor licenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.410 subdivision 8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill specifies eligibility for temporary permits under section 340A.414 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Eligibility inclusion of establishments licensed for limited malt liquor."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.414 subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill prohibits alcohol consumption by underage individuals under section 340A.503 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of consumption definitions and defenses in legal violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.503 subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill defines illegal practices relating to liquor tampering under section 340A.508 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on tampering standards and evidentiary conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.508 subdivision 2"
  }
]