Starting from July 2, 2017, Minnesotans will be able to buy liquor from stores on Sundays between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. This is a significant change in Minnesota's long-standing ban on Sunday liquor store sales, which has been in place since the state gained statehood in 1858.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of Sunday liquor sales restrictions on both consumers and businesses. For years, Sundays have been a popular day for people to relax, socialize, and enjoy a drink or two. However, the ban on Sunday liquor sales has often left individuals and establishments scrambling to make alternative arrangements or stock up in advance.
The new law allowing Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota is a positive development for several reasons. Firstly, it gives consumers more flexibility and convenience. Many people work long hours during the week and may not have the opportunity to purchase alcohol during regular store hours. Allowing Sunday sales means they now have an additional day to buy their favorite beverages.
Secondly, this change will likely have a positive impact on small businesses, including local liquor stores. Previously, Minnesotans who wanted to purchase alcohol on Sundays had to travel to neighboring states that allowed Sunday sales, resulting in lost revenue for local businesses. Now, these establishments will have the opportunity to cater to the demand and keep those sales within the state.
It's worth noting that the Sunday liquor sales ban in Minnesota has been a topic of debate for many years. Proponents of the ban argued that it helped promote responsible drinking and family time, as Sundays were seen as a day to spend with loved ones without the temptation of alcohol. However, opponents of the ban argued that it was outdated and unnecessarily restrictive, impeding consumer choice and economic growth.
Ultimately, the decision to lift the ban reflects changing societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption and recognizes the importance of consumer convenience. By allowing Sunday liquor sales, Minnesota joins the majority of states in the U.S. that already permit such sales.
The new law signed by Governor Mark Dayton allows for the sale of alcohol from stores on Sundays in Minnesota between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., starting from July 2, 2017. This change provides consumers with more flexibility and convenience, supports local businesses, and brings Minnesota in line with the majority of other states in the U.S. that already allow Sunday liquor sales.