Speaker Kurt Daudt says the Minnesota House will likely vote this week on a bill that would allow liquor stores to be open on Sunday in Minnesota. Daudt says, “We think it’s time to do that, and I think it has gained the support from the public and thereby has gained the support here in the House.” He says backers have the votes in the House to pass it, but adds he’s not sure what will happen in the Minnesota Senate. Sunday liquor sales has been a long-standing and controversial issue at the legislature, with politically powerful groups allied against it.
Opponents warn the bill would force mom-and-pop stores out of business because they won’t be able to afford the extra expense of being open on Sundays, while receiving little income from it. Backers say Minnesotans shouldn’t be out of luck if they want alcohol for a Sunday party and forgot to buy it ahead of time.