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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 01-23 Are Sunday sales in Minnesota a possibility in 2014? STAR TRIBUNE �.�StarTribune Are Surti�ay Sa�es in Minnesota a Possibility in 2014? Blog Post by:Ryan Tuenge January 23,2015-12:28 PM Ask just about anyone on the street here in the Twin Cities how they feel about Sunday Sales and,unless they own a liquor store or work for a distributor,they will likety say they suppoA the selling of alcohol on Sunday.This,of course,is not true of all liquor store owners as it is estimated that at least 30-40%are in favor of a law change. Daniel Mays of Stinson Wine Beer and Spirits is a big suppoAer of Sunday Sales and believes that his business will inaease if the legislation were to pass."We want the choice to be open because our customers want it and we believe we will do more business not just spread it out,"said Mays."Between tourists who are flocking to the Twin Cities for the craft beer/craft distillery revolution,sporting and special events,last minute plans,and simply convenience we will sell more and the costs to us are negligible." Mays also points out that liquor stores"[A]re already paying rent and heatinglcooling whether[they]are open or not,'and goes on to say that the,"[N]ew sales which wiii happen will off set labor easily and this is for a store that pays a living wage. We want the choice to be open and in Minnesota 2014 that just seems like common sense." Andy Schmitt,who runs Minnesota Beer Activists has been busy drumming up support for a bill that would make Sunday Sales legal in Minnesota for lhe first time since prohibition.He believes that legislation in support of this bill would bring more revenue and jobs to Minnesota."If a bill like Sunday liquor sales that would undoubtedly bring money and jobs to Minnesota doesn't pass ihen Govemor Dayton's'unsession'is the same as every other session,"said Schmitt. You might wonder why,after 80 years,nothing allowing Sunday sales in Minnesota has passed.The answer is money from opposing lobbies,not just in our state,but also in North and South Dakota and Wisconsin.It makes sense that Wisconsin and the Dakotas don't want Sunday Sales to be legalized here as it would take away valuable business from border stores in these states.So much so,that according to an unnamed source,their Sunday business"keeps the lights on,and the rest of the week is all profit.° According to Schmitt,the time is now for people to act and to get involved.In fact,he explained that this week is crucial and if the hearing doesn't happen this week,the issue could be dead for 2014.Supporters of Sunday Sales can go to sundavsalesmn orp to send emails to their representatives,but calling them is most effective.The direct link to find your Representatives is right here. This is a current list of Minnesota establishments who suppoA Sunday Sates: Village Wine and Spirits in Lakeland Fifth Street Liquor in Winona Merwin Liquors in Falcon Heights East 7th Liquor in St.Paul Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub in Minneapolis Chicago Lake Liquors in Minneapolis . Dinkylown Wine and Spirits in Minneapolis Stinson Wine Beer and Spirits in Minneapolis Dangerous Man Brewing in Minneapolis North Loop Wine&Spirits in Minneapolis Merwin Liquors in Minneapolis Boom Island Brewing in Min�eapolis Princess Liquor&Tobacco in St.Paul Arbor Pointe Liquors in Inver Grove Heights Booze MaA in West St.Paul Diffley Square�iquors in Eagan Old Vine Wine&Spirits in Bloomington Pairings Food&VV�ne Market in Minnetonka The Four Firkins in St.Louis Park � Steel Toe Bre`• 'ny� in St. 6ouis Park Liquor Boy in Sl. Louis Park Maddie's Market in St. Paul Menvin Liquors in Maplewood Barley John's Brewpub in New Brighton Domacin Wine Shop in Stiliwater Hansen's Liquor in Stillwater On the Rocks Wines & Spirits in Hugo Haye's Public House in Buffalo JT's Corner Bar and Grill Liquor Store in Houston Day Block Brewing in Minneapolis La Crescent Wine 8 Spirits in La Crescent Bissen's Tavern in Brownsville Fetketter Family Bar and Grill in Eitzen Don't Remember in Harmony Shelihorn Roadhouse in Brownsville Peterson Off Sale in Peterson Southside Corner in La Crescent 3rd Street Liquor in Winona Golfview Liquor Store in Winona Kato Liquor Ltd in Winona Bergies Bar and Grill Liquor Store in Houston J & B's Liquor Store in La Roy Kinney Creek Brewery in Rochester Hometown Wine & Spirits in Wanamingo Wenonah Brewing Co. in Goodview Red Wing Brewery in Red Wing Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter Sawmill Saloon Liquor Store in Virginia Leech Lake Brewing Company in Walker 99 Bottles in Moorhead Bridgeview Liquors in Moorhead Boathouse Brewpub in Ely Rock Bottom Brewery in Minneapolis Cheers!