Bill would make more of Capitol liquor-friendly
Alcohol sales and consumption could soon be permitted in more spaces in Minnesota’s Capitol.
But don’t expect the taps to go up outside the House or Senate gallery, or think that the booze will flow freely in the seat of state government.
A section of a bill addressing Minnesota’s liquor laws would expand a narrow allowance for sales of wine and beer as the Department of Administration sees fit and designate state profits to a Capitol preservation account. The bill is scheduled for a House hearing Tuesday and a final vote in the next week or so.
It would amend the 2013 law that first allowed alcohol sales on a limited basis, specifically in the Capitol’s rathskeller cafeteria during catered events. So far, that’s led to only four such events, according to the Department of Administration.
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House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Hoppe, R-Chaska, said the $300 million Capitol renovation opened more spaces around the building for public gatherings. So he’s comfortable broadening the law around wine and beer sales.
“Within reason and with decorum, I think we want to let people to come here and be able to celebrate events here,” Hoppe said. “And if they want to have a glass of wine or a beer with that -- made in Minnesota, of course -- I think the Department of Administration, that’s kind of their focus.”
Hoppe said it would still take a special permit to add alcohol to events.
“You could have a wedding here. If you wanted to have a fantasy football draft, you could apply for a permit and you’d have to buy all the liquor through whoever the catering company is,” he said.
The measure would also make a special exception for booze sales during the Capitol’s ceremonial reopening in August.
The liquor bill is notable for other clauses, too.
One would allow the Minnesota Vikings to get a liquor license for its new practice facility and team headquarters in Eagan.
Another would give Super Bowl revelers two extra hours in Twin Cities bars, provided taverns pay up to $250 to stay open until 4 a.m.
There are also changes that would permit craft breweries to produce more barrels annually and make more growler sales while still being considered small brewers in the eyes of regulators.