ST. PAUL 鈥� The Minnesota Senate on Monday passed its omnibus liquor bill, which includes provisions to allow Minnesota cities to create "social districts" where alcohol could be consumed publicly.
The bill, , authored by Sen. Matt Klein, DFL-Mendota Heights, passed in a 53-12 vote Monday, April 28, after debate on the Senate floor. The bill includes a provision allowing cities statewide to establish 鈥渟ocial districts鈥� 鈥� designated areas where people can purchase beer, wine and cocktails from licensed establishments and legally consume them in specified public spaces, such as sidewalks and streets.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Minnesota Legislature first passed a pilot program for a social district in and expanded the pilot program option to Stillwater and Shakopee in 2024.
The bill includes parameters for cities that want to pass a social district ordinance. Cities must establish specific boundaries and hours of operation, and alcohol must be bought from nearby licensed establishments, served in approved non-glass containers and consumed only within the district, according to the bill language.
Cities are barred from hosting cannabis events in the same space as designated social districts.
The bill also stipulates that cities must post clear signage and make a report on a social district's impact within 24 months of its creation.
"With this provision, we can give our cities the freedom to innovate while maintaining the safeguards that Minnesotans expect," Klein said in a statement following passage Monday. "I look forward to seeing social districts contribute to even more thriving, connected communities across our state."
The social district legislation was originally authored by Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL鈥揝t. Cloud, in , before being incorporated into the omnibus liquor policy bill. SF2511 now heads to the House for consideration.
The Trust Project
