Bill > SF198

This bill introduces a new category of "limited malt liquor" and establishes licensing provisions for food retailers to sell this type of beverage. Limited malt liquor is defined as a beverage containing between 0.5% and 15% alcohol by weight, replacing the previous definition of "low-alcohol malt liquor." The bill authorizes city and county governing bodies to issue off-sale limited malt liquor licenses to food retailers, which are defined as retail establishments primarily selling groceries like bread, meats, produce, dairy products, and packaged food items. Existing liquor licensees are exempt from obtaining a separate limited malt liquor license and can sell these beverages without additional permits. The bill includes provisions for license fees, with counties required to share a portion of fees with town boards, and establishes sale time restrictions for limited malt liquor (not between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and not between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays). The legislation also makes numerous conforming changes to existing liquor licensing statutes, integrating the new limited malt liquor category into various regulatory frameworks, such as license application requirements, insurance exemptions, and prohibited sales practices.

Business and Industry

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0198&ssn=0&y=2025