Purpose of the Bill

The bill allows cities in Minnesota classified as cities of the first class to issue a new type of license called a "social district license." This license permits on-sale alcohol establishments to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages within a designated social district area, although it does not permit the sale or service of alcohol within that area.

Main Provisions

• Issuance of Social District License: Cities of the first class can grant a social district license to holders of existing on-sale liquor licenses whose premises are adjacent to the defined social district area.

• Designation and Description: Before a social district license is issued, the city must officially designate and outline the specific area as a social district, including the premises where alcohol can be consumed and the allowed days and hours.

• Boundaries and Signs: The district must have clearly defined boundaries marked with conspicuous signs indicating where and when alcohol consumption is allowed. Signs must also outline rules, such as not consuming alcohol outside the designated district.

• Management and Maintenance Plans: The cities are required to establish plans for managing and maintaining the social district to ensure public safety and health, posting these plans on the city's website.

• Requirements for License Holders: On-sale licensees must follow specific requirements, such as ensuring alcoholic beverages are only consumed in designated containers (which must be clearly marked and non-glass) and not allowing the reentry of beverages sold elsewhere.

• Consumption Rules: Beverages can only be consumed during specified hours, and alcohol must be disposed of before leaving the district unless the person is entering a licensed premises where the drink was purchased.

• Reporting: Cities must report on the implementation and community impact of the social district within 24 months of its first license issuance, addressing issues like public safety, community response, and suggestions for improvements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new licensing system within Minnesota cities of the first class, allowing for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public designated social districts, unlike traditional laws that typically restrict public consumption to private, licensed premises.

Relevant Terms

• Social district
• On-sale license
• Cities of the first class
• Alcohol consumption
• Public safety
• Community impact