LOBBYING FOR LESS RESTRICTIVE LIQUOR LAWS IN MINNESOTA

Minnesota residents pay $100 million a year due to liquor laws with abnormally restrictive compensations according to a new report from the state’s Legislative Auditor. Because Minnesota law prohibits most retailers other than liquor stores from selling strong beer, wine and spirits, alcohol comes at a higher cost. Non-sale beer prices are 7-9% higher in Minnesota than in Wisconsin, a state with few restrictions on retail competition while wine prices are up 5-7%. However, distilled spirits’ prices are 8-10% lower, likely due to differences in state laws regarding the use of exclusive territories for the distribution of spirits. The Legislative Auditor maintains that less restrictive retail laws could roughly save $100 million, although some reports say changes could harm existing liquor stores. Recently, the Minnesota Legislature has reviewed two bill to remove or reduce the state’s limits on liquor sales but nothing as passed as of yet. MGA Executive Director Nancy Christensen said in a statement: “The report confirms that Minnesota’s approach to liquor regulation is outdated and unfairly benefits liquor wholesalers and retailers at the expense of consumers.” The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association is against the proposal saying it could hurt local liquor stores.