SF 2511

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/29/2025 09:17am

A bill for an act
relating to liquor; authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses;
modifying certain requirements of liquor licenses issued to the Board of Regents
of the University of Minnesota; modifying wine transfer provisions; establishing
a social district license; establishing a food truck license pilot program; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 340A.404, subdivisions 2b, 4a; 340A.412,
subdivision 4; 340A.417; 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.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. 2.

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. 3.

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. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 340A.417, is amended to read:

340A.417 new text begin WINE new text end SHIPMENTS deleted text begin INTO MINNESOTA deleted text end .

(a) Notwithstanding section 297G.07, subdivision 2, or any provision of this chapter, a
winery 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 deleted text begin two deleted text end new text begin four new text end cases of wine, containing a
maximum of nine liters per case, in any calendar year to any resident of Minnesota age 21
or over. deleted text begin Delivery of a shipment under this section may not be deemed a sale in this state.
deleted text end

(b) The shipping container of any wine 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 through distributors
or importing distributors, but only to permit shipments of wine 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.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2025.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [340A.911] SOCIAL DISTRICT LICENSE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Social district; consumption allowed. new text end

new text begin A city may issue a social district
license to any holder of an on-sale license whose on-sale premises is contiguous with the
premises of the social district designated in subdivision 2. The license authorizes
consumption, but not sales or service, of alcoholic beverages sold by the on-sale licensee
within the social district.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Designation of social district. new text end

new text begin (a) Prior to issuing the license in subdivision 1,
a city must designate and describe the premises of the social district. The district may not
include any area under the ownership or control of a person that objects to the extension of
the social district to that area.
new text end

new text begin (b) The designation must include the specific premises where consumption of alcoholic
beverages is allowed and also include the proposed hours and days in which consumption
of alcoholic beverages is allowed in the social district. The city must adopt the designation
by ordinance prior to issuing the license in subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Boundaries clearly defined. new text end

new text begin The social district must be clearly defined with
signs posted in a conspicuous location indicating the area included in the social district and
the days and hours during which alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the district. In
addition, signs must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the area comprising the
social district; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a clear statement that an alcoholic beverage purchased for consumption in the social
district shall:
new text end

new text begin (i) only be consumed in the social district; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) be disposed of before the person in possession of the alcoholic beverage exits the
social district unless the person is reentering the licensed premises where the alcoholic
beverage was purchased.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Management and maintenance. new text end

new text begin A city must establish management and
maintenance plans for the social district and post these plans, along with a rendering of the
boundaries of the social district and days and hours during which alcoholic beverages may
be consumed in the district, on the website for the city. The social district must be maintained
in a manner that protects the health and safety of the general public.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Requirements for on-sale licensees. new text end

new text begin An on-sale licensee holding a social
district license may only sell and serve alcoholic beverages on the premises specified in the
licensee's on-sale license. The licensee must not allow a person to enter or reenter its on-sale
licensed premises with an alcoholic beverage not sold by the on-sale licensee. Sales for
consumption in the social district must meet the following container requirements:
new text end

new text begin (1) the container clearly identifies the on-sale licensee from which the alcoholic beverage
was purchased;
new text end

new text begin (2) the container clearly displays a logo or some other mark that is unique to the social
district in which it will be consumed;
new text end

new text begin (3) the container is not comprised of glass;
new text end

new text begin (4) the container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, "Drink Responsibly
- Be 21."; and
new text end

new text begin (5) the container shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Additional social district requirements. new text end

new text begin The possession and consumption of
an alcoholic beverage in a social district is subject to all of the following requirements:
new text end

new text begin (1) only alcoholic beverages purchased from an on-sale licensee holding a social district
license located in or contiguous to the social district may be possessed and consumed in the
district;
new text end

new text begin (2) alcoholic beverages shall only be in containers meeting the requirements set forth
in subdivision 5;
new text end

new text begin (3) alcoholic beverages shall only be possessed and consumed during the days and hours
set by the city as specified in subdivision 2; and
new text end

new text begin (4) a person shall dispose of any alcoholic beverage in the person's possession prior to
exiting the social district unless the person is reentering the on-sale licensed premises where
the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin A city is prohibited from issuing a cannabis event organizer license
under section 342.39 or from authorizing a cannabis event under section 342.40, if the
cannabis event would occur in the same place as a social district and at the same time that
consumption of alcoholic beverages are allowed in the social district.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin Within 24 months from the first issuance of a social district
license, a city must provide a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over liquor regulation. The report must include a
discussion of the following subjects:
new text end

new text begin (1) the process used by the city in designating the social district;
new text end

new text begin (2) the community response to the social district, with a concentration on residents living
and businesses operating within a one-mile radius of the district;
new text end

new text begin (3) the response to the social district from both on-sale licensees holding a social district
license and not holding a social district license;
new text end

new text begin (4) the problems or challenges encountered in establishing and overseeing the social
district and social district licenses;
new text end

new text begin (5) any public safety concerns that arose due to the operation of the social district;
new text end

new text begin (6) the benefits and drawbacks to the city of continuing the social district; and
new text end

new text begin (7) recommendations for modifications to the social district special law established in
this section.
new text end

Sec. 6.

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. 7. 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. 8. new text begin SPECIAL LIQUOR LAW; CITY OF ROCHESTER.
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. 9. new text begin CITY OF BLOOMINGTON; ON-SALE BEER AND WINE 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
that is 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 city of Bloomington
and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin TEMPORARY LICENSES; LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY.
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. 11. new text begin SPECIAL LAW; CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK.
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. 12. new text begin SPECIAL LICENSE; CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
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. 13. new text begin SPECIAL LAW; DOUGLAS COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Douglas County may issue a temporary license to a food truck for the on-sale of
intoxicating liquor at a private event that the food truck has entered into a contract with a
person to offer food and beverage services. 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) A license under this section must specify the conditions under which the intoxicating
liquor must be dispensed and consumed and shall not be issued unless the licensee
demonstrates that it has liability insurance as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, section
340A.409, to cover the event. The license under this section authorizes sales on all days of
the week only to the person who has entered into a contract to offer food and beverage
services with the food truck, and the person's guests.
new text end

new text begin (c) A license under this section is subject to the terms, including a license fee, imposed
by the issuing municipality and all laws and ordinances governing the sale of intoxicating
liquor. A license under this section authorizes the on-sale of intoxicating liquor for not more
than four consecutive days and not more than 12 days per year. No sale under this license
may be made outside the hours established by the municipality for on-premises consumption.
Licenses under this section are not valid unless first approved by the commissioner of public
safety.
new text end

new text begin (d) The licensee shall notify prior to any private event:
new text end

new text begin (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
new text end

new text begin (2) the Douglas County sheriff, if the event will be outside the corporate limits of any
city.
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. This
section expires one year from the date of approval.
new text end