[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6636257,"mediaKeyId","2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818","parentId",2611352,"title","Wine‑transfer bill prompts strong opposition from wholesalers and unions; amendment adopted and bill laid over","audioSeconds",502,"startMs",4259000,"endMs",4761000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818&start=4259&end=4761","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818/thumbnail_4259000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6636257/Minnesota/Winetransfer-bill-prompts-strong-opposition-from-wholesalers-and-unions-amendment-adopted-and-bill-laid-over","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636257-366ce2bd5d8dedb14307d81e64d0b818/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164602&Signature=mIlCHhrko-BjOT04o2kDFaz8wDKvMQwKPkkBVNeerXHmZ2RkAI~tUDLXsArsCLv6X2CBrUZtnja60dBufmF300WYOx6Ld1b-kxNuYYLlw7K0fw27IRdcqGBzF5uL00bvDTrYJ336XK3q0T5j4LZRYxZMPk0LibYpFB94SpVvvtmHIzCEHD-52pYqOYM4XPk2EJhXcxz8yiNyFDJliBo5ij3cmtYKfOMBQrj0XxtSfdYu189mUC9BcmeH2P-Up3an96iBKn36xi8E1QvUL0EWHLtPtOQW3lu4xVf8wknWKHyTZaBai4NQi0SiO3tZYZC00AZR4SBjYswgyoBCyhY4yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-13T19:56:23.707Z","article","Senate File 1759, the \"wine‑transfer\" bill offered by Sen. Paul Rasmussen, returned to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 13 with an author’s A‑1 amendment and drew sustained opposition from wholesalers, independent retailers and the Teamsters union.

Sen. Rasmussen described the A‑1 as restoring language passed in the Senate last session. He said the bill would allow a limited transfer of wine between retail locations of common ownership under several restrictions intended to limit market disruption: at most one transfer per three‑month period per location, a cap of 75 cases per transfer, three business days’ notice to the regulator and the wholesaler, no transfers for retailers on a wholesaler credit list, and the change would apply to wine only.

Supporters framed the change as a modest inventory‑management tool. Mindy Baker, representing Total Wine & More’s Minnesota stores, said the company seeks to move wine that has been purchased and is at risk of expiring: \"Wine does go bad... this bill would allow us to just transfer the wine that goes from one store to another.\" She said Total Wine worked with other stakeholders last year and remains open to compromise.

Opponents were emphatic. Fay Rohrs, president of Teamsters Local 792, said the measure \"is opposed by the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association... the wholesalers and by us Teamsters\" and argued it would advantage a large chain and harm local stores and union jobs. Brent Irwin of the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association and Joel Carlson of the Minnesota Wine and Spirit Wholesalers Association testified the bill would weaken accountability and transparency in the three‑tier distribution system and could enable central warehousing and below‑cost pricing that would destabilize the market.

Independent retailers also testified in opposition. Jennifer Schoenzeit Scholer of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association said the bill \"gives an unfair advantage to one large chain\" and argued that retailers already use markdowns to move slow product.

Sen. Rasmussen emphasized the bill’s limits and said he had offered to discuss further protections, including giving wholesalers a right of first refusal to reclaim product in lieu of transfer. He said the change would affect only a small percentage of annual store volume if retailers maximized allowable transfers.

Committee action and outcome

Sen. Rasmussen offered the A‑1 amendment and it was adopted by voice vote. After extended testimony from proponents and opponents, the committee laid Senate File 1759, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the liquor omnibus.

Why it matters

The debate centers on the balance between limited retail inventory flexibility and preserving the three‑tier regulatory structure that separates manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Opponents warned the change could be a step toward central warehousing and market consolidation; supporters described a narrowly tailored operational fix to reduce wasted product and improve consumer access to desired items.

What’s next

The bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the committee's liquor omnibus; any final authority or guardrails would be set in omnibus negotiations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","Senate File 1759 would allow limited transfers of wine between retail locations of common ownership; after adopting an author's A‑1 amendment the committee heard extended opposition from wholesalers, independent retailers and union representatives and laid the bill over.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636262,"Senate hearing on social‑district bill yields bipartisan support and safety questions",534,3120000,3654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818&start=3120&end=3654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818/thumbnail_3120000.jpg","/articles/6636262/Minnesota/Senate-hearing-on-socialdistrict-bill-yields-bipartisan-support-and-safety-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636262-a8173dcb57c35994f05496c31675aa39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164602&Signature=hQEdHj5ql0tzG8z8cJAkowxhWDGNrCF~UAD-6t~1Wo9zt1RwQv1sQbETaHgBuJR2JeIkidw7OFpwdjG2mPJ6wg4h4DIHH2t008~TthlnSsJhjdJMPCqtsHRgAlB7fH1DRCbUDnJ2gSFKULi8NJinexWX6982FWQ9qlfiCIRrtjI7zjzIcUFUqQlMfNXN5qFxDD7l8QEqQfxShmk-tpKco22ZTvR4Wcwiu5-jT8TgOWE299~IQWnqp1pnvQSPxnEx7cDRRw3qkPwv6smf8g7FknIDK3zyix3eRrzpNjT-a6qmR2f4Jdnk07BrqPSBR4Owtxc~dkhObdDEJrKdEZ-NuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate File 1182, a bill to allow cities to create and administer defined social districts where alcoholic beverages may be transported and consumed in public within mapped boundaries, drew a mix of bipartisan support and caution from members of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 13.

Sen. Aric Putnam, the bill’s author, said the change is modeled on three pilot districts the Legislature authorized last year and would let additional cities establish similar spaces that combine music, art and food with regulated alcohol sales. \"The Anoka District has been so successful that they just expanded it to 7 days,\" Putnam said, adding that the measure would permit businesses to opt out and would require cities to report to the Legislature on community response and public‑safety outcomes.

Ray Harrington, speaking for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater St. Cloud Area Convention Visitors Bureau, and as a restaurant owner, described social districts as an economic stimulant for downtowns and festivals and endorsed the bill.

Sen. Paul Rasmussen voiced concerns that social districts could more accurately be described as \"drinking districts,\" asking committee members to weigh public‑health and safety tradeoffs. \"I think there was a real focus, especially coming out of the prohibition era, to make sure that we had laws that encouraged public health and protected safety,\" Rasmussen said.

Other senators urged caution but expressed support for local control. Sen. Duckworth said the statute would be an \"ultimate form of local control\" if cities choose to adopt social districts, and Sen. Latz and others noted the pilot programs in Anoka, Stillwater and Shakopee have prompted local deliberation.

The bill requires defined boundaries, container requirements, hours and maintenance plans and obliges cities to report outcomes to the Legislature. Several senators asked for public‑safety feedback from pilot cities and law enforcement, and Putnam said he had spoken to local representatives, who reported no public‑safety problems.

Outcome: The committee laid Senate File 1182 over for possible inclusion in the liquor omnibus. Supporters urged cities to tailor rules to local conditions; opponents and some moderates asked for continued monitoring and reporting requirements to assess public‑safety effects.

Why it matters: The bill would change where and how alcohol may be consumed on public property within participating cities and could affect downtown events, music festivals and local business revenues. It emphasizes local decision‑making while adding a statutory mechanism for municipalities to opt in and report results to state policymakers.","Senate File 1182 would let cities create defined 'social districts' where open containers of alcoholic beverages are permitted under local rules. Supporters described economic and social revival benefits; some senators raised public‑safety and public‑health concerns. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636267,"Senate commerce committee hears a slate of local liquor‑license requests as members prepare a liquor omnibus",3453,800000,4253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818&start=800&end=4253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611352-2a292e4d2ae9c5d05d12610f85d6b818/thumbnail_800000.jpg","/articles/6636267/Minnesota/Senate-commerce-committee-hears-a-slate-of-local-liquorlicense-requests-as-members-prepare-a-liquor-omnibus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636267-c23b0420e05402840722fbe60cae77a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164602&Signature=UKl7fslj58zEUIGXxOELdVjlEVHTrUIJtovBLzSgF063MUB~2k9UGrrUMKe2ZTLGVmRJSLNQBlbMG8zY4hQTQz6Y4eiAkCmFCzBePZZxdFlpf7MpTi0Ae-gu7bXZ8IoL6FS-uCIxcPmkiTI0n0-gSqSzEF0i23kroLdjRXcrqmHbCeXs0AXEmrfbBIrShXq8Y2lnAWyzod~1djpu7wgdhg~jf-54mZYlOsNoJRZ3GlyzGt9khmmcAWa58YThnOpXSuT7uZcbVckU8XRfn3nuOQkpDCdFu6Y5nbYqfsNWsAfg9zFFduHNz0lo6QwDl5wG7SjQdm-4kF1o7KAooWI4Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 13 heard a series of local liquor‑license proposals and related technical amendments and laid each over for possible inclusion in a liquor omnibus to be considered on the Senate floor.

Committee Chair Klein opened the hearing saying the committee would \"lay them all over\" and try to \"compile the ones that we...find favorable into a liquor omnibus bill\" for floor action next week.

The bills are narrow, mostly special‑law requests that would let cities or public entities issue on‑sale intoxicating liquor licenses in circumstances state statute does not currently authorize. Testimony emphasized local economic and civic uses for the venues and the intent to align with existing state licensing rules when possible.

Highlights from bills the committee heard:

- Senate File 1168 (Rochester, Chateau/Chateau Theatre): Sen. Nelson said the bill \"authorizes the city of Rochester to issue an on sale intoxicating liquor license\" for the historic Chateau, described by the author as a landmark community gathering venue built in 1927. Kristan Cottright, deputy city clerk for Rochester, testified the Chateau \"does not meet the definition of theater under Minnesota statute 348.404 subdivision 1\" and described community uses including weddings, cultural celebrations and children’s activities. SF1168 was laid over for possible inclusion.

- Senate File 265 (City of Mankato / Taylor Center): Sen. Frentz said the measure would allow the City of Mankato to authorize beer and wine sales at the 4,800‑seat Taylor Center. Kevin Biesman, Minnesota State University Mankato athletics director, said dining services Sodexo would hold the license and ensure ID and responsible‑service training. SF265 was laid over for possible inclusion.

- Senate File 1655 (Baudette Arena, Lake of the Woods County): Anthony Perkle, Lake of the Woods County public works director and Baudette Arena Association member, described a 2018 donation that funded a 6‑million‑dollar arena serving a community of about 900. He said prior temporary authorizations expired and the bill would restore the ability to request temporary licenses for events; the county board and arena association support the bill. SF1655 was laid over for possible inclusion.

- Senate Files 1654 and 2059 (food‑hall licensing, Minneapolis / St. Louis Park): Sen. Dibble and Sen. Latz said the bills would allow cities to issue a liquor license for a food hall model similar to Malcolm Yards, where common seating and a single license can serve multiple food vendors. Patty Wall, operator of the Market at Malcolm Yards, described the 2017 legislative carve‑out that enabled her existing site and requested the change to permit new locations. Both bills were laid over; Latz offered an author's A1 amendment that was adopted and the bill was laid over as amended.

- Senate File 1588 (Bloomington / Dwan Golf Course): Sen. Wicklund said Bloomington seeks authorization to issue an on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for the Dwan Golf Course; Anne Cottrey, Bloomington parks and recreation director, said the course hosts 50,000 rounds per year and is currently limited to 3.2 malt liquor. The city intends to keep local oversight; SF1588 (as amended) was laid over.

- Senate File 1865 (food‑truck catering): Sen. Westrom described a permissive measure that would allow municipalities to issue temporary on‑sale licenses for food trucks that provide contracted catering services for private events. Caterer Jason Schmidt said his business primarily seeks licenses for one‑day private events such as rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions, not street festivals. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion; committee members asked staff to work with counsel on numeric limits in the bill's blanked provisions (consecutive days per event and total days per year).

- Senate File 2202 (St. Paul / Science Museum and Union Depot): Sen. Pappas said the bill would let the City of St. Paul issue on‑sale intoxicating liquor licenses to the Science Museum of Minnesota and to Union Depot, both large, multi‑space facilities that do not fit existing statutory categories. Dan Nijieblic of St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections testified the change would be similar to special provisions granted for other cultural institutions. SF2202 was laid over.

- Senate File 2376 (Springfield Area Community Center): Amber Dale, Springfield city manager, testified the city contracts out liquor service at the community center and the bill would allow the city to step in if a private vendor stops providing service; the bill was laid over.

- Senate File 2221 (University of Minnesota): Sen. Clark and Amy Kieran of the University described removing a cap on university licenses across the system, clarifying noncontiguous space and concessionaire rules, and aligning university practice with private colleges. SF2221 was laid over for possible inclusion.

Committee procedure and next steps

No committee roll‑call votes were taken on final passage; in each case the chair announced that the file \"will be laid over for possible inclusion\" in the liquor omnibus. Chair Klein said the committee plans to consolidate favorable measures and not accept floor amendments to the omnibus once it reaches the floor, following long‑standing practice.

Why it matters

The bills are narrowly targeted to individual venues and local governments but collectively reflect a recurring issue: municipal and cultural venues seeking authority to manage food‑and‑beverage operations directly rather than contract out. Proponents argued the changes support local economic activity and downtown activation; committee members pressed for details on local oversight and public‑safety safeguards.

Ending note

Committee members signaled a desire to standardize language where possible before folding favorable measures into a single omnibus bill for floor consideration next week.","The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard a series of bills on March 13 that would authorize local governments or special venues to obtain on‑sale intoxicating liquor or temporary licenses. Lawmakers plan to consolidate favorable measures into a liquor omnibus for floor action; each bill was laid over for possible inclusion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wine‑transfer bill prompts strong opposition from wholesalers and unions; amendment adopted and bill laid over

Senate hearing on social‑district bill yields bipartisan support and safety questions

Senate commerce committee hears a slate of local liquor‑license requests as members prepare a liquor omnibus