Bill Authorizing Off-Sale Sunday Liquor Sales Advances

A bill before the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee that would allow off-sale liquor sales from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays advanced on a 7-4 vote Wednesday, February 22.

Proponents of the bill argued that the change would increase tourism, small business profits, and tax revenue for the state. Opponents of the bill raised concerns on moral grounds, stating that alcohol is already too destructive and that allowing greater access would not benefit society.

Tony Chesak of the Minnesota License Beverage Association said, "The current system of alcohol regulation works very well in the state of Minnesota...our system is smart and well balanced. We would urge you to continue to recognize the benefits that exist, and resist whole sale change that would upset the current balance that does exist."

A number of small business owners testified in opposition to the bill. They expressed their fears of Sunday liquor sales benefiting big box retailers over small, independent stores. Many smaller stores would not be able to compete with big box stores that are already open 7 days a week, due to the cost of operating for an extra day, they argued. They also said that being open one extra day a week would not increase sales, but merely spread them out over 7 days.

Many Senators remarked on the changing attitudes of many Minnesotans towards Sunday liquor sales. According to the bill's author, Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, "It's time for us to get this done and give liquor stores the option, give them the opportunity, to be open on Sundays, if they so choose."