Minnesota Allows Restaurant Beer To-Go Sales As Pandemic Rages

Better late than never…but unfortunately for many craft brewers it’s already too late.

Here’s the deal…

On Friday Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law new legislation allowing bars and restaurants in Minnesota to sell beer and wine to-go (along with food) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acknowledging how desperate things had become for bars and restaurants in lockdown mode for almost a month, state legislators moved fast (at least for them) to get this new law passed…

The House approved the measure, 129-1, earlier Friday, and the Senate approved the bill, 65-2, Thursday.

As of 12:01am Saturday, licensed restaurants in Minnesota are able to sell up to 72 ounces of beer, hard seltzer or cider, and up to 750 milliliters of wine with a takeout food order. That works out to six 12-ounce cans of beer or a standard bottle of wine.

In an effort to enforce social distancing as the coronavirus pandemic started to take hold in Minnesota, Governor Waltz ordered bars and restaurants to shut down on March 17. Effectively putting an end to keg beer sales in the state.

“A brewer that is packaging their product in cans and bottles is experiencing a significant spike in those sales,” Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association President Mike Madigan told the Star Tribune.  “A brewer that is selling their product at a taproom, just like any restaurant or bar, is likely experiencing a decline in sales.”

Up until April 18th (nearly a month later) bars and restaurants could only offer takeout and food delivery service without alcohol.

“This is a small but important step to provide relief for the local restaurants that are struggling to keep their lights on during this pandemic,” said Walz…

 “This will allow Minnesotans to continue to support their favorite local businesses. The restaurant industry is finding creative ways to keep Minnesotans fed and happy during this challenging time, and we’re going to help them out.”

Under the Governor’s original March 25 “stay-at-home” order ‘critical sectors” such as pharmacies, hardware, grocery and convenience stores were allowed to remain open.

Minnesota liquor stores were also exempted in that executive action…

Even with the state’s latest action, Minnesota could hardly be considered progressive when it comes to beer regulations…

Just ask Surly Brewing, Minnesota’s largest craft brewer…

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