Restaurants may sell beer and wine to go during pandemic shutdown

Restaurants holding an on-sale intoxicating liquor license will be temporarily allowed to sell beer, hard seltzer, cider, and wine in limited quantities with a prepared takeout food order during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sponsored by Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) and Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), the law aims to help restaurants make a little more money to try and weather the statewide shutdown that began in March.

Under the law, businesses can sell up to one bottle of wine no larger than 750 milliliters, and no more than 72 ounces of beer, malt liquor, cider or hard seltzer. The alcohol must be in its original, unopened packaging and can only be picked up, not delivered. Employees must confirm the person picking up the food is at least 21 years old.

Cities can prohibit such sales by resolution.

The law took effect April 18 and ends when the governor’s executive order shutting down restaurants ends.

HF4562/SF4489*/CH75

SF4489* / HF4562 / CH75