Two days after the House passed similar legislation, a bill allowing liquor stores to be open on Sundays in Minnesota cleared its final committee in the state Senate today and now awaits a floor vote. Maple Grove Republican Warren Limmer says he’s heard the benefits, but asked what about the cost of law enforcement, court time, treatment programs “and of course the intangible but priceless cost of a loss to a family of a loved one.” Minneapolis Democrat Jeff Hayden responds, “The way to stop it isn’t to stop it on Sunday. It is to identify it [alcoholism] as a disease… and then get them the help that they need.”
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka does not support Sunday liquor sales, but said earlier he would not block a vote on the floor and that this might be the year that it passes. Governor Mark Dayton said he’ll sign the measure if it reaches his desk.