Purpose of the Bill

This bill allows the city of Two Harbors, Minnesota to issue a special liquor license that enables alcohol consumption within a designated "social district." This district allows people to drink alcoholic beverages in a specified area.

Main Provisions

• Social District License: The city can issue this license to on-sale liquor establishments contiguous with the social district. It permits consumption—not sales—of alcohol in the district.

• Designation of Area: The city must clearly define the boundaries of the social district and specify the days and hours when alcohol consumption is allowed. The area cannot include any premises where the owner objects to the district.

• Signage and Boundaries: The boundaries of the social district must be visibly marked with signs indicating the area and timing for allowable alcohol consumption. Signs should also explain that beverages must be consumed within the district or properly disposed of before exiting.

• Management and Safety: The city is required to create management plans for the maintenance and safety of the district and post this information online.

• Container Requirements: Alcoholic beverages must be served in containers that are non-glass, display the seller's information, and have a "Drink Responsibly" warning. The containers should not hold more than 16 ounces.

Significant Changes

• Social Drinking Area: The bill introduces the concept of a social district, a designated zone where public alcohol consumption is allowed under certain conditions, representing a shift from traditional consumption confines to open areas.

• Community Feedback and Evaluation: The city must report back within two years on the implementation's impact, including community response, safety concerns, and operational challenges, potentially shaping future legislation.

Relevant Terms

social district, liquor license, Two Harbors, public alcohol consumption, on-sale license, management plan, container requirements, safety concerns