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Council approves special law allowing Southwest Minnesota State University to pursue liquor licenses at two campus venues
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Summary
Council authorized a 2026 special law that would allow Southwest Minnesota State University to serve alcohol at the Schwan Regional Event Center and an RA facility; SMSU must still obtain local liquor licenses and follow state dispensing rules and the city’s food and beverage tax requirements.
The Marshall City Council voted to approve a special-law request that would allow Southwest Minnesota State University to serve alcohol at two campus locations.
Councilmember Sharon said the 2026 bill largely mirrors legislation previously proposed for other state universities and would permit SMSU to serve alcohol at two locations — the Schwan Regional Event Center and an RA facility — while still requiring compliance with state dispensing rules. Sharon noted the bill requires city-council approval; Steven Anderson added that, if the special law is approved, SMSU would still need to apply for local liquor licenses, pay application fees and go through the usual public-hearing process.
Council also noted that such service would be subject to the city’s 1.5 percent food-and-beverage tax. The council approved the request on a roll-call vote.
What happens next: If the special law remains in effect as described, SMSU would apply to the city for the standard liquor-licensing process and will face a public hearing on any local license application.
