Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to amend existing liquor laws in Minnesota to allow certain municipalities, specifically the city of St. Paul, to issue liquor licenses that are exempt from typical restrictions related to zoning and proximity to schools or churches. It also modifies liquor license requirements for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

Main Provisions

• The bill authorizes the city of St. Paul to issue on-sale intoxicating liquor licenses to specific venues such as:
  • Fitzgerald Theatre
  • Great American History Theatre
  • Brave New Workshop at the Palace Theater
• These venues can sell liquor during all performances, to ticket holders, and to members and guests of the associated nonprofit corporation.
• The bill allows licenses to be issued to the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Union Depot, which permits liquor sales on any day of the week, irrespective of other legal restrictions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• It expands the ability of specific St. Paul venues to sell liquor by overriding existing local limitations or ordinances related to proximity restrictions commonly imposed for schools or churches.
• This bill modifies the liquor license issuance process by allowing sales without regard to limitations that may have previously been in place due to zoning or other local planning provisions.

Relevant Terms

St. Paul, liquor licenses, Fitzgerald Theatre, Science Museum of Minnesota, Union Depot, zoning restrictions, University of Minnesota Board of Regents.