SF 2511

2nd Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/15/2026 08:44 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to liquor; authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses;
clarifying certain trade practices with respect to manufacturers and wholesalers;
clarifying service of intoxicating liquor in certain establishments; modifying certain
requirements of liquor licenses issued to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 340A.308; 340A.404,
subdivisions 2b, 4a, 6; 340A.412, subdivision 4; Laws 2017, First Special Session
chapter 4, article 5, section 12; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 340A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.308, is amended to read:

340A.308 PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 340A.301, no brewer or malt liquor wholesaler
may directly or indirectly, or through an affiliate or subsidiary company, or through an
officer, director, stockholder, or partner:

(1) give, or lend money, credit, or other thing of value to a retailer;

(2) give, lend, lease, or sell furnishing or equipment to a retailer;

(3) have an interest in a retail license; or

(4) be bound for the repayment of a loan to a retailer.

(b) No retailer may solicit any equipment, fixture, supplies, money, or other thing of
value from a brewer or malt liquor wholesaler if furnishing of these items by the brewer or
wholesaler is prohibited by law and the retailer knew or had reason to know that the
furnishing is prohibited by law.

(c) This section does not prohibit a manufacturer or wholesaler from:

(1) furnishing, lending, or renting to a retailer outside signs, of a cost of up to $400
excluding installation and repair costs;

(2) furnishing, lending, or renting to a retailer inside signs and other promotional material,
of a cost of up to $300 in a year;

(3) furnishing to or maintaining for a retailer equipment for dispensing malt liquor,
including tap trailers, cold plates and other dispensing equipment, of a cost of up to $100
per tap in a year;

(4) using or renting property owned continually since November 1, 1933, for the purpose
of selling intoxicating or 3.2 percent malt liquor at retail;

(5) extending customary commercial credit to a retailer in connection with a sale of
nonalcoholic beverages only, or engaging in cooperative advertising agreements with a
retailer in connection with the sale of nonalcoholic beverages only; or

(6) in the case of a wholesaler, with the prior written consent of the commissioner, selling
beer on consignment to a holder of a temporary license under section 340A.403, subdivision
2, or 340A.404, subdivision 10.

new text begin (d) A manufacturer or wholesaler who is engaged in the business of selling nonalcoholic
products may engage in the lawful trade practices of the nonalcoholic product industry,
provided the sales and practices surrounding the nonalcoholic products are not used as an
unlawful inducement to purchase alcoholic beverages. This paragraph does not apply to
products regulated by chapter 342.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [340A.4015] NURSING HOMES, BOARDING CARE HOMES, AND
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES; WHEN LICENSE NOT REQUIRED.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, "facility" means a nursing home as defined in section
144A.01, subdivision 5, a boarding care home as defined in Minnesota Rules, chapter 4655,
or an assisted living facility as defined in section 144G.08, subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin (b) A facility is not required to obtain a license or permit under this chapter for the
service of intoxicating liquor on its premise, subject to the following conditions:
new text end

new text begin (1) the facility must submit notice to the commissioner of the facility's intent to allow
the service of intoxicating liquor under this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) the facility must hold the license required by the commissioner of health to be a valid
licensed facility;
new text end

new text begin (3) intoxicating liquor may only be served to or by the residents of the facility and their
guests, when the guests are physically accompanied by a resident for the entirety of the
service;
new text end

new text begin (4) the service of intoxicating liquor may only occur at activities or events conducted
primarily for residents of the facility and their invited guests, and only within the licensed
facility or on the facility's property;
new text end

new text begin (5) intoxicating liquor may not be sold, offered for sale, or otherwise provided for any
form of consideration; and
new text end

new text begin (6) facilities are subject to all other provisions and requirements of this chapter and
applicable rules, not inconsistent with this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) A facility allowing the service of intoxicating liquor under this section must be open
for inspection by the commissioner and the commissioner's representative and by peace
officers, who may enter and inspect during reasonable hours.
new text end

new text begin (d) Facilities operating under this section are subject to the requirements and penalties
in section 340A.415 in the same manner as if they were a license or permit holder.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner may take enforcement action as provided in section 340A.415
against any facility operating under this section for any violation of this section and any
other provision of this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 7515, not inconsistent with
this section, including service to an obviously intoxicated person, unlawful furnishing,
underage access or consumption, unlawful possession, unlawful storage, or other
alcohol-related violations.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner may prohibit service and require corrective action plans or
mandatory training for staff prior to a facility resuming operation under this section.
new text end

new text begin (g) The commissioner may refer any pattern of unsafe service, health risk associated
with alcohol service or storage, or failure to comply with this section to the commissioner
of health for investigation.
new text end

new text begin (h) Nothing in this section limits or otherwise affects criminal enforcement under this
chapter or any other law against a facility or any person.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.404, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Special provision; city of St. Paul.

new text begin (a) new text end The city of St. Paul may issue an
on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the Fitzgerald Theatre, the Great American History
Theater at 30 East 10th Street, and the Brave New Workshop at the Palace Theater at 17
West Seventh Place, notwithstanding the limitations of law, or local ordinance, or charter
provision relating to zoning or school or church distances. The license authorizes sales on
all days of the week to holders of tickets for performances presented by the theatre and to
members of the nonprofit corporation holding the license and to their guests.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision, the city of St.
Paul may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the Science Museum of Minnesota,
or its concessionaire or operator, for use on the premises of the Science Museum of Minnesota
at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard. The license authorizes sales on all days of the week.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision, the city of St.
Paul may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the Union Depot, or its concessionaire
or operator, for use on the premises of the Union Depot at 214 Fourth Street East. The
license authorizes sales on all days of the week.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the St. Paul City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.404, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a.

Publicly owned recreation; entertainment facilities.

(a) Notwithstanding
any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision, the commissioner may issue on-sale
intoxicating liquor licenses:

(1) to the state agency administratively responsible for, or to an entity holding a
concession or facility management contract with such agency for beverage sales at, the
premises of any Giants Ridge Recreation Area building or recreational improvement area
owned by the state in the city of Biwabik, St. Louis County;

(2) to the state agency administratively responsible for, or to an entity holding a
concession or facility management contract with such agency for beverage sales at, the
premises of any Ironworld Discovery Center building or facility owned by the state at
Chisholm;

(3) to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota new text begin or to an entity holding a
concessions contract with the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota new text end for events
at Northrop Auditorium, the intercollegiate football stadium, including any games played
by the Minnesota Vikings at the stadium, and deleted text begin at no more than seven deleted text end new text begin for new text end other locations
within the boundaries of the University of Minnesota new text begin that are described in the approved
license applications new text end , provided that the Board of Regents has approved an application for a
license for the specified location and provided that a license for an intercollegiate football
stadium is void unless it meets the conditions of paragraph (b). new text begin Licenses may be issued for
space that is not compact and contiguous, provided that all space is included in the description
of the licensed premises on the approved license applications. new text end It is solely within the discretion
of the Board of Regents to choose the manner in which to carry out these conditions
consistent with the requirements of paragraph (b); and

(4) to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority for beverage sales on
the premises of the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Arena during intercollegiate
hockey games.

The commissioner shall charge a fee for licenses issued under this subdivision in an
amount comparable to the fee for comparable licenses issued in surrounding cities.

(b) No alcoholic beverage may be sold or served at deleted text begin TCF deleted text end new text begin Huntington new text end Bank Stadium
unless the Board of Regents holds an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the stadium as
provided in paragraph (a), clause (3), that provides for the sale of intoxicating liquor at a
location in the stadium that is convenient to the general public attending an intercollegiate
football game at the stadium. On-sale liquor sales to the general public must be available
at that location through half-time of an intercollegiate football game at deleted text begin TCF deleted text end new text begin Huntington new text end
Bank Stadium, and sales at the stadium must comply with section 340A.909.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.404, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Counties.

(a) A county board may issue an annual on-sale intoxicating liquor
license within the area of the county that is unorganized or unincorporated to a bowling
center, restaurant, club, hotel, or resort as defined in section 157.15, subdivision 11, with
the approval of the commissioner.

(b) A county board may also with the approval of the commissioner issue deleted text begin up to ten deleted text end
seasonal on-sale licenses to restaurants deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end clubs new text begin , and resorts as defined in section 157.15,
subdivision 11, new text end for the sale of intoxicating liquor within the area of the county that is
unorganized or unincorporated. Notwithstanding section 340A.412, subdivision 8, a seasonal
license is valid for a period specified by the board, not to exceed nine months. Not more
than one license may be issued for any one premises during any consecutive 12-month
period.

(c) A county board may issue an annual new text begin or seasonal new text end on-sale malt liquor license to a resort
as defined in section 157.15, subdivision 11, within the area of the county that is unorganized
or unincorporated, notwithstanding any law or local ordinance. A license issued under this
paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons staying at the resort and their
guests.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.412, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Licenses prohibited in certain areas.

(a) No license to sell intoxicating liquor
may be issued within the following areas:

(1) where restricted against commercial use through zoning ordinances and other
proceedings or legal processes regularly had for that purpose, except licenses may be issued
to restaurants in areas which were restricted against commercial uses after the establishment
of the restaurant;

(2) within the Capitol or on the Capitol grounds, except as provided under Laws 1983,
chapter 259, section 9, or Laws 1999, chapter 202, section 13;

(3) on the State Fairgrounds, except as provided under section 37.21, subdivision 2;

deleted text begin (4) on the campus of the College of Agriculture of the University of Minnesota;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end within 1,000 feet of a state hospital, training school, reformatory, prison, or other
institution under the supervision or control, in whole or in part, of the Direct Care and
Treatment executive board or the commissioner of corrections;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end in a town or municipality in which a majority of votes at the last election at which
the question of license was voted upon were not in favor of license under section 340A.416,
or within one-half mile of any such town or municipality, except that intoxicating liquor
manufactured within this radius may be sold to be consumed outside it; and

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end within 1,500 feet of any public school that is not within a city.

(b) The restrictions of this subdivision do not apply to a manufacturer or wholesaler of
intoxicating liquor or to a drugstore or to a person who had a license originally issued
lawfully prior to July 1, 1967.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 4, article 5, section 12, is amended to
read:

Sec. 12. FOOD HALL LICENSE; MINNEAPOLIS.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.101, subdivision 25, 340A.401, or
340A.410, subdivision 7, or any other law or ordinance to the contrary, the city of
Minneapolis may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for a licensee serving as an
anchor tenant for a food hall deleted text begin to be located at 501 30th Avenue Southeast deleted text end . The license may
allow service and consumption anywhere within the licensee establishment, and anywhere
within the larger food hall, provided that the larger premises is specified in the on-sale
license. Multiple independent food vendors will be able to utilize a common seating area
under the control of the liquor license holder to allow the public to purchase and consume
food from third parties while also consuming licensed beverages sold by the license holder. new text begin
Licenses may only be issued for food halls at the following locations:
new text end

new text begin (1) 501 30th Avenue Southeast; and
new text end

new text begin (2) 800 LaSalle Avenue.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the city of Minneapolis
and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision to the contrary, the
city of Mankato may issue an on-sale wine and malt liquor intoxicating liquor license to
Minnesota State University, Mankato. A license authorized by this section may be issued
for space that is not compact and contiguous, provided that all the space is within the
boundaries of the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is included in the
description of the licensed premises on the approved license application. The license under
this section authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the Taylor
Center, subject to the hours and days of sale restrictions in Minnesota Statutes, and any
reasonable license conditions or restrictions imposed by the licensing authority. All other
provisions of Minnesota Statutes not inconsistent with this section apply to the license
authorized under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Mankato City
Council in the manner provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and
3.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin CITY OF ROCHESTER; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law, ordinance, or charter provision to the contrary, the city
of Rochester may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the Historic Chateau Theater,
located in the city at 15 1st Street Southwest. The license authorizes sales on all days of the
week to persons attending performances, exhibitions, or any other events at the theater. The
provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A, not inconsistent with this section, apply to
a license issued under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Rochester City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin CITY OF BLOOMINGTON; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law or ordinance to the contrary, the city of Bloomington
may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the Bloomington Dwan Golf Course,
located at 3301 West 110th Street. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A, not
inconsistent with this section, apply to the license issued under this section. The city of
Bloomington is deemed the licensee under this section, and the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes, sections 340A.603 and 340A.604, apply to the license as if the establishment were
a municipal liquor store.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Bloomington City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 11. new text begin LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY; TEMPORARY LICENSES.
new text end

new text begin Lake of the Woods County may issue temporary licenses pursuant to law for premises
of the Baudette Arena Association, without regard to the restriction set forth in Minnesota
Statutes, section 340A.412, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (7).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Lake of the Woods
County Board of Commissioners and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 12. new text begin CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.101, subdivision 25; 340A.401; or
340A.410, subdivision 7, or any other law or ordinance to the contrary, the city of St. Louis
Park may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to a licensee serving as an anchor
tenant for a food hall located in any portion of the mall commonly known as The Shops at
West End. The license may allow service and consumption anywhere within the licensee
establishment, and anywhere within the larger food hall, provided that the larger premises
is specified in the on-sale license. Multiple independent food vendors will be able to utilize
a common seating area under the control of the liquor license holder to allow the public to
purchase and consume food from third parties while also consuming licensed beverages
sold by the license holder.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the St. Louis Park City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text begin CITY OF SPRINGFIELD; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin The city of Springfield may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine
and strong beer license, or an on-sale including Sunday intoxicating liquor license for the
city-owned facility known as the Springfield Area Community Center, notwithstanding any
law, local ordinance, or charter provision. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter
340A, not inconsistent with this section, apply to the license issued under this section. The
city of Springfield is deemed the licensee under this section, and the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes, sections 340A.603 and 340A.604, apply to the license as if the facility was a
municipal liquor store.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Springfield City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 14. new text begin DOUGLAS COUNTY; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision, the governing
body of a municipality may issue to a food truck a temporary license for the on-sale of
intoxicating liquor in connection with a private event occurring in Douglas County in which
the food truck has entered into a contract to provide food and beverage services. Licenses
under this section are not valid unless first approved by the commissioner of public safety.
For purposes of this section, "food truck" means a business that is licensed or permitted by
the licensing authority to prepare and sell food from a motorized vehicle or trailer within
the municipality.
new text end

new text begin (b) The license allows the on-sale of intoxicating liquor for not more than four consecutive
days, not to exceed 12 days per year, and only on the dates stated on the approved license
application. The license must specify the conditions under which the intoxicating liquor
must be dispensed and consumed. No sale under this license may be made outside the hours
established by the municipality for on-premises consumption.
new text end

new text begin (c) This license is not required to be associated with a permanent building or fixed
establishment and may authorize service from the licensed food truck or another mobile or
temporary service unit located within the licensed premises described in the approved license
application.
new text end

new text begin (d) A license under this section is subject to the terms, including a license fee, imposed
by the issuing municipality, as well as all other provisions and requirements of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 340A, its applicable rules, and local ordinances not inconsistent with this
section, including retailer's identification card, storage, and liability insurance requirements.
The licensee shall be open for inspection by the commissioner and the commissioner's
representatives and by peace officers, who may enter and inspect during reasonable hours.
The commissioner may take an enforcement action as provided in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 340A, including Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.415, for any violation of this
section and any other applicable provision of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A, or rule
adopted under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A.
new text end

new text begin (e) The licensee shall notify prior to any private event: (1) the police chief of the city
where the event will take place, if the event will take place within the corporate limits of a
city; or (2) the Douglas County sheriff, if the event will be outside the corporate limits of
any city.
new text end

new text begin (f) This section expires one year from the date it becomes effective.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Douglas County
Board of Commissioners and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 15. new text begin CITY OF ERHARD; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law, ordinance, or charter provision to the contrary, the city
of Erhard may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the Erhard Community Park,
located in the city at Pelican River Avenue. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter
340A, not inconsistent with this section, apply to a license issued under this section. The
city of Erhard is deemed the licensee under this section, and the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes, sections 340A.603 and 340A.604, apply to the license as if the facility was a
municipal liquor store.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Erhard City Council
and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 16. new text begin SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or charter provision to the contrary, the
city of Marshall may issue an on-sale wine and malt liquor intoxicating liquor license to
Southwest Minnesota State University. A license authorized by this section may be issued
for space that is not compact and contiguous, provided that all the space is within the
boundaries of the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University and is included in the
description of the licensed premises on the approved license application. The license under
this section authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the Schwan
Regional Event Center and the Recreation/Athletic Facility, subject to the hours and days
of sale restrictions in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A, and any reasonable license conditions
or restrictions imposed by the licensing authority. All other provisions of Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 340A, not inconsistent with this section apply to the license authorized under this
section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Marshall City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 17. new text begin CITY OF BRAINERD; SPECIAL LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law, ordinance, or charter provision to the contrary, the city
of Brainerd may issue an intoxicating liquor license to the Northern Pacific Center, located
at 1511 Northern Pacific Road. A license issued under this section allows sales on all days
of the week to persons attending events at the center, and may be issued for a space that is
not compact and contiguous, provided that the premises are described in the approved
license. All other provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A not inconsistent with this
section apply to a license issued under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon approval by the Brainerd City
Council and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end