SF 614

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/13/2015 09:29am

A bill for an act
relating to liquor; allowing a farm winery to establish branch offices; allowing a
farm winery to obtain farmers' market licenses; amending Minnesota Statutes
2014, section 340A.315, by adding subdivisions.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 340A.315, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Branch offices. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding subdivision 9, the holder of a farm
winery license may operate up to three branch offices located away from the licensed farm
winery. The locations, although not required to be on agricultural land, shall be considered
part of the licensed premises and all activities allowed at and limited to the farm winery
may be conducted at the branch offices with the exception of wine production, wine
aging, and bottling and packaging of wine. The branch offices shall not be located within,
share a common entrance or exit with, or have any interior access to any other business,
including premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail. Prior to commencing
operation of a branch office, the licensee shall notify the local liquor licensing authority of
the location of the branch office. The liquor licensing authority may require a permit for
the operation of the branch office.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 340A.315, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Farmers' market license. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may issue a farmers'
market license to a farm winery. The license shall permit a farm winery to sell by the
unopened container and distribute, by the glass for samples with or without charge,
alcoholic beverages manufactured by the farm winery. No more than a total of ten farmers'
market licenses may be granted to a licensed farm winery in any calendar year. A farmers'
market license must be approved by the local liquor licensing authority of the location
of the farmers' market. A farmers' market licensee may distribute by the glass no more
than two ounces of wine samples with a total of eight ounces to each retail customer at a
farmers' market. A farmers' market license is valid for all dates of operation for a specific
farmers' market location.
new text end