Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes changes to the liquor laws in Minnesota, specifically focusing on brand registration requirements for certain brewers. It aims to provide brewers with certain exemptions from these requirements.

Main Provisions

• Exemption for Brewers: The bill exempts specific brewers from the obligation to register their brand labels with the state’s commissioner. This exemption applies to malt liquor that is manufactured and sold exclusively for consumption on the brewer’s licensed premises or for off-sale.
• Brand Registration: Currently, a brand label for intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor must be registered and approved in Minnesota. Registration fees are $40 initially and $30 for renewals every three years.
• Brand Abandonment: Any brand registration that has expired is considered abandoned by the manufacturer or importer.
• Misleading Labels: The commissioner will reject or revoke any malt liquor brand labels that falsely suggest associations with American Indian leaders unless these labels were registered prior to January 1, 1992.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill provides an exemption from brand registration for brewers who sell their malt liquor exclusively on their premises. This amendment changes the existing requirements that all such brands must be registered regardless of where they are sold.
• It maintains the clause about misleading brand labels, ensuring that any labels suggesting false connections with American Indian leaders are rejected or revoked, continuing a policy that has been in place since before 1992.

Relevant Terms

• Brewer exemption
• Brand registration
• Malt liquor
• Intoxicating liquor
• Off-sale
• Licensed premises
• American Indian leader