By Kerry Gaynor/Murphy News Service
The issue of Sunday liquor sales is yet again on the table for the Minnesota State Legislature. In a country where marijuana use is legal in multiple states, the idea of repealing the Blue Law prohibiting Sunday liquor sales remains hotly contested, with vocal stances on both sides.
While many Minnesota residents say they are ready for Sunday sales, opponents cite worries over harm to local business and issues of public safety.
The bipartisan issue is being pushed by Sen. Roger Reinert, (DFL-Duluth) and Rep. Jenifer Loon, (R-Eden Prairie). Along with their supporters, the two aim to overturn the 48-year-old restriction (enacted in 1967), and put buying power into the hands of Minnesota citizens and money into liquor store cash registers every day.
The Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association (MMBA) meanwhile has taken a staunch opposing stance.
Those fighting the change acknowledge the increased convenience of Sunday sales, but say they concerns about public safety should weigh heavier on citizens’ minds, says the MMBA, adding that Sunday alcohol sales would hurt business and Minnesota communities, citing multiple opinions and and research.
It’s a fear of change, Andrew Schmitt, with the Minnesota Beer Activists (MBA), said.
MBA supports the Blue Law repeal and is also behind the sundaysalesmn.org website, which sports the slogan “Keep our beer money in MN.”
The business aspect of Sunday sales is especially contentious, popping up in the arguments on both sides. Revenue would increase with more business days, say proponents. On the other hand is the fear of especially small, local businesses losing money by having to stretch out revenue.
This worry over businesses is “patently false,”Schmitt said. The fixed costs of rent and keeping a store open are not the issue, he said, but paying employees is a concern.
“It’s impulse money. That money is going to stay in [customers’] pockets and not go to that liquor store cashier.” This is also the “impulse money” that is driven over state line and being spent in Wisconsin stores on Sundays.
Stores like Casanova Liquor in Hudson, Wisconsin, enjoy Sunday revenues. At least 75 percent of his Sunday customers are Minnesotans, Casanova’s Scott Andrzejczak said.
“For 20 years, my customers get in their cars and drive to Hudson [on Sundays],” Irv Hershkovitz said. Hershkovitz is owner of Dinkytown Wine and Spirits and the Library Bar, both in Minneapolis.
“I’m all for Sunday liquor sales,” he added.
Meanwhile, as Reinert and Loon’s bill wends its way through the legislature, many Minnesotans will continue to make the quick drive across the Wisconsin state line on Sundays.
Reporter Kerry Gaynor is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.