Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Liquor License topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Hazelwood liquor license and advances ordinance to let brewers, distillers use temporary licenses
Summary
The council approved an on-sale liquor license for Hazelwood Food and Drink and passed a first reading to amend city code so microbreweries and micro-distilleries may obtain temporary intoxicating-liquor licenses consistent with Minnesota statute 340A.404 subd. 10C.
St. Louis Park’s City Council on June 15 approved an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Hazelwood Food and Drink and passed the first reading of an ordinance to allow brewers and micro‑distillers to obtain temporary liquor licenses under city code.
Deputy City Clerk Amanda Scott Lerdahl told the council the application came from Create Restaurants Minnesota LLC, which expects the Hazelwood sale to take effect July 1, 2026. The restaurant at 4450 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 120, is described in the application as approximately 5,503 square feet indoors with seating for 205 and 940 square feet of outdoor space with seating for 50. Lerdahl reported the police background check and zoning and building reviews found no issues and said, "I am happy to report that I have received the fully executed lease for the premises," satisfying the condition noted in the staff report.
Councilmembers approved the license by voice vote following the brief public hearing and staff presentation.
Separately, Lerdahl introduced a proposed amendment to Chapter 3 of the city code to align local rules with Minnesota Statute 340A.404 subdivision 10C. Under the change, micro‑distillers and brewers would become eligible to apply for temporary on‑sale intoxicating liquor licenses, allowing them to sell and serve alcoholic beverages they do not produce themselves at specified social events and on temporary premises extensions. Staff reported there are three breweries and two micro‑distilleries in St. Louis Park and that the Minnesota Department of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement had no objections to the amendment.
Council members asked whether the temporary license would permit wine and spirits in addition to 3.2 beer; staff confirmed the license covers the full range of intoxicating liquor, including hard liquor. Supporters said aligning the code with state law will simplify permitting and expand event opportunities for local businesses, such as small weddings and receptions. The council approved the ordinance’s first reading and scheduled a second reading for July 6, 2026.
The license approval and the ordinance add a regulatory path for local beverage businesses to host temporary events; the second reading will determine final adoption of the code amendment.
