Sunday liquor sales — it's the law

Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law Tuesday a bipartisan proposal allowing liquor stores to open on Sundays after it received overwhelming support in the Legislature and a growing public demand for more options in purchasing alcohol.

“This new law reflects the desires of most people in Minnesota, who have made it clear to their legislators that they want to have this additional option,” Dayton said in a statement.

The new law, sponsored by Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) and Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), lifts the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor sales, a prohibition that has been in place since statehood. Liquor stores will be able to open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning July 2, a day after the law takes effect.

The legislation, one of seven signed so far in 2017 by the governor, also bars carriers from delivering or taking orders on Sundays.

The bill had passed the House 88-39 and the Senate 38-28.

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