Politics & Government
Hundreds of Minnesota Bars, Restaurants Facing Liquor Issues Amid Shutdown
Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled against a petition filed by the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) to allow Minnesota's Department of Public Safety to issue "Buyer's Cards" to licensed alcoholic beverage retailers.
As many as 700 bars and restaurants that failed to renew their alcohol Buyer's Cards before the July 1 Minnesota government shutdown could find themselves unable to sell alcohol after Aug. 1, a judge ruled Monday.
Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled against a petition filed by the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) to allow Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety to issue Buyer’s Cards to licensed alcoholic beverage retailers.
A Buyer’s Card would allow the retailers to continue purchasing and selling alcoholic beverages “necessary to the ongoing viability of their businesses” through the duration of the shutdown.
Without a Buyer’s Card, however, the retailers cannot purchase beverages with more than 3.2 percent alcohol by weight.
It's unknown how many Lakeville bars and restaurants could be affected, but the petition listed , Seafood Tavern, , Brunswick Zone XL, , , , , and as establishments in Lakeville that have expired cards.
But Tyler Bonine, the general manager at Molly Cools, told Patch last week that his restaurant renewed its card and should be good through the end of the year, if it the shutdown goes that far. Patch will be checking with the other local restaurants and bars to see if they are or aren't impacted by the Buyer's Card issue.
Find out what's happening in Lakevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More than 6,000 retailers require Buyer’s Cards to purchase alcohol, according to the MLBA petition. The cards are renewed annually.
“Currently there are over 300 retailers statewide who are unable to receive a Buyer’s Card necessary to purchase liquor,” read the petition. “If the shutdown persists, 400 additional retailers will lose their authorization to purchase alcoholic beverage by Aug. 1, 2011.”
Judge Gearin’s advice to members of the MLBA: “The Court urges the Association members to make the compelling arguments regarding the impact of the shutdown on hundreds of small liquor establishments to the Governor and their local legislators.”
Gearin said that if the shutdown continues past July 24, the MLBA should contact Ramsey County District Court to schedule a hearing.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
