Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to allow the city of Two Harbors, Minnesota, to issue a special license for the creation of a "social district." This district will enable patrons to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors in a designated area, thereby fostering social interaction and potentially boosting local business.

Main Provisions

• Social District License: The city can issue a social district license to businesses with an existing on-sale liquor license. This license allows consumption, but not the sale or service, of alcoholic beverages within a specific social district.
• Designation of District: Before granting a license, Two Harbors must define the social district area, excluding properties where owners object to inclusion. The city will formalize this through an ordinance, specifying where and when alcohol consumption is allowed.
• Boundaries and Signage: The social district must have clear boundaries marked by signs, detailing the area, times, and days for alcohol consumption, and including information about local law enforcement and restrictions on removing beverages from the district.
• Management and Maintenance: The city must create plans to manage and maintain the district, ensuring public health and safety. Details must be available on the city’s website.
• Requirements for Businesses: Businesses with the social district license must adhere to several rules, including no glass containers, branded containers for alcohol, and adherence to size and labeling regulations.
• Consumption Rules: Alcohol may only be consumed within set hours and days, using properly marked containers. Patrons must dispose of beverages before leaving the district, except to return to the original seller's premises.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces the concept of a "social district" where public consumption of alcohol is permitted, which differs from traditional regulations that restrict alcohol consumption to private licensed venues.
• It obligates Two Harbors to report on the district's impact within two years, assessing aspects like community response, challenges, public safety concerns, and possible modifications.

Relevant Terms

social district, on-sale license, Two Harbors, outdoor alcohol consumption, public alcohol consumption, liquor license, alcohol regulation, public safety, community response, signage, ordinance, consumption boundaries.