SF 66

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/08/2013 08:45am

A bill for an act
relating to liquor; authorizing shipments of malt liquor into Minnesota with
certain conditions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 297G.07,
subdivision 1; 340A.417.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exemptions.

The following are not subject to the excise tax:

(1) Sales by a manufacturer, brewer, or wholesaler for shipment outside the state
in interstate commerce.

(2) Alcoholic beverages sold or transferred between Minnesota wholesalers.

(3) Sales to common carriers engaged in interstate transportation of passengers,
except as provided in this chapter.

(4) Malt beverages served by a brewery for on-premise consumption at no charge, or
distributed to brewery employees for on-premise consumption under a labor contract.

(5) Shipments of wine new text begin or malt liquor new text end to Minnesota residents under section 340A.417.

(6) Fruit juices naturally fermented or beer naturally brewed in the home for family
use.

(7) Sales of wine for sacramental purposes under section 340A.316.

(8) Alcoholic beverages sold to authorized manufacturers of food products or
pharmaceutical firms. The alcoholic beverage must be used exclusively in the manufacture
of food products or medicines. For purposes of this clause, "manufacturer" means a
person who manufactures food products intended for sale to wholesalers or retailers for
ultimate sale to the consumer.

(9) Liqueur-filled candy.

(10) Sales to a federal agency, that the state of Minnesota is prohibited from taxing
under the Constitution or laws of the United States or under the Constitution of Minnesota.

(11) Sales to Indian tribes as defined in section 297G.08.

(12) Shipments of intoxicating liquor from foreign countries to diplomatic personnel
of foreign countries assigned to service in this state.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 340A.417, is amended to read:

340A.417 SHIPMENTS INTO MINNESOTA.

(a) Notwithstanding section 297G.07, subdivision 2, or any provision of this chapter,
a winery new text begin or brewery new text end licensed in a state other than Minnesota, or a winery located in
Minnesota, may ship, for personal use and not for resale, not more than two cases of wine,
containing a maximum of nine liters per case, new text begin or not more than two cases of malt liquor,
containing a maximum of 288 ounces per case, new text end in any calendar year to any resident of
Minnesota age 21 or over. Delivery of a shipment under this section may not be deemed
a sale in this state.

(b) The shipping container of any wine new text begin or malt liquor new text end sent under this section must be
clearly marked "Alcoholic Beverages: adult signature (over 21 years of age) required."

(c) It is not the intent of this section to impair the distribution of wine new text begin or malt liquor
new text end through distributors or importing distributors, but only to permit shipments of wine new text begin or
malt liquor new text end for personal use.

(d) No criminal penalty may be imposed on a person for a violation of this section
other than a violation described in paragraph (e) or (f). Whenever it appears to the
commissioner that any person has engaged in any act or practice constituting a violation
of this section, and the violation is not within two years of any previous violation of
this section, the commissioner shall issue and cause to be served upon the person an
order requiring the person to cease and desist from violating this section. The order must
give reasonable notice of the rights of the person to request a hearing and must state the
reason for the entry of the order. Unless otherwise agreed between the parties, a hearing
shall be held not later than seven days after the request for the hearing is received by the
commissioner after which and within 20 days after the receipt of the administrative law
judge's report and subsequent exceptions and argument, the commissioner shall issue an
order vacating the cease and desist order, modifying it, or making it permanent as the facts
require. If no hearing is requested within 30 days of the service of the order, the order
becomes final and remains in effect until modified or vacated by the commissioner. All
hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 14. If the person
to whom a cease and desist order is issued fails to appear at the hearing after being duly
notified, the person shall be deemed in default, and the proceeding may be determined
against the person upon consideration of the cease and desist order, the allegations of
which may be deemed to be true.

(e) Any person who violates this section within two years of a violation for which a
cease and desist order was issued under paragraph (d), is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(f) Any person who commits a third or subsequent violation of this section within
any subsequent two-year period is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.