Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allow cities of the first class in Minnesota to issue social district licenses. These licenses enable the consumption of alcoholic beverages within designated social districts but do not permit the sale or service of alcohol within these districts.

Main Provisions

• Social District License: Allows cities to issue licenses to holders of on-sale permits whose premises are contiguous with designated social districts. These licenses permit alcohol consumption within the district.
• Designation and Description: Cities must designate and describe the specific area of the social district, including the days and hours during which alcohol consumption is permitted. This must be approved by ordinance.
• Defined Boundaries: Social districts must be clearly marked with signs indicating their boundaries, the jurisdiction of local law enforcement, and rules about alcohol consumption confined to the district.
• Management and Maintenance: Cities must create and publicize plans for managing and maintaining the social district to ensure public health and safety.
• On-Sale Licensee Requirements: License holders must sell and serve alcohol only on their licensed premises. They must ensure that alcoholic beverages are only taken into the social district in appropriate containers, which cannot be made of glass and cannot hold more than 16 ounces.
• Container Specifications: Containers must identify the licensee, display a unique social district mark, and carry responsible drinking messages.
• Exiting the Social District: Individuals must dispose of alcoholic beverages before leaving the district unless reentering the premises where purchased.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces a new type of liquor license—the social district license—that allows for public consumption within specified areas but does not otherwise change existing laws regarding the sale of alcohol.

Reporting and Oversight

• Cities must provide a report within 24 months of the first license issuance discussing the designation process, community response, challenges, public safety issues, and any benefits or drawbacks. Recommendations for improvements are also required.

Relevant Terms

• Social district
• On-sale license
• Alcohol consumption
• Designation ordinance
• Public safety
• Container requirements