SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL – Minneapolis) introduced legislation to help Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries weather the downturn in business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill creates economic opportunity by temporarily relaxing rigid restrictions on off-sale beverages, allowing for limited to-go sales from taprooms and cocktail rooms.
“As we work to ensure all Minnesotans can be healthy and safe during this pandemic, our small businesses are experiencing economic turmoil. Just as the industries have turned a corner to become mainstream in our state, craft brewers and distillers are now fighting for their survival,” Rep. Olson said. “This bill is a reasonable and temporary step to help businesses stay afloat by offering their product to loyal customers until normal operations can resume.”
“With 12 breweries and 4 distilleries, 60A is the heart of Minnesota’s craft brewery and distillery industry,” Rep. Jordan said. “It is clear these businesses need the Legislature’s help to weather the COVID-19 crisis. This temporary measure to allow them to sell 4 and 6 packs for breweries and 750ml bottles for distilleries is necessary to keep our craft breweries and distilleries in business and thriving for years to come.” Continue reading “Reps. Olson and Jordan introduce bill to help craft breweries and distilleries during COVID-19 crisis”