The Sunday liquor sales bill passed on an 85-45 vote in the Minnesota House today. Democratic Representative John Consadine of Mankato voted “no” and says the family-owned liquor stores in his district also oppose the bill “because they know who’s pushing this law–it’s an avenue for big box stores to eliminate small, locally-owned liquor stores. “Democratic Representative Laurie Halverson of Eagan says she hasn’t been a supporter of Sunday liquor bills in the past for similar reasons, but supports this version. She does ask consumers:
The bill would allow people to buy booze at Minnesota liquor stores on Sundays from 10 am to 6pm. It’s not clear if the bill has enough votes to pass in the Senate, which is where it’s headed next. Governor Dayton has said he would likely sign the bill if it crosses his desk. If signed into law, the measure would go into effect on July 1st.